Learning Solutions 2013 - Virtual Attendance

Despite a hectic week at work, I was able to participate virtualy in the eLearning Guild's Learning Solutions Conference this week. Their new app is amazing with functions similar to what I'm already used to in other mobile social apps.  I think this is the first eLearning Guild event that I've not attended in 6 years.  It was a very strange feeling NOT being there.  But I got a first hand look at what it's like to be a virtual attendee.  It was a good experience, but for those who say the face-to-face conference is dead, I MUST insist you are wrong.

There is nothing like connecting with people in person and technology will NEVER make that go away.  Technology can enhance our lives but never take away our need for connecting with others in real life.  I don't want to have this argument with anyone, so don't even start.  I've had enough experiences in my life now to just know this is true.  Inevitably this may be why MOOCs will someday require connecting with local attendees in smaller groups, but I digress...

Hashcaster was a great resource for tracking images, videos, and other event content however, I kept wishing more attendees would post more media using the #LSCon hashtag so that more content was there.  I think creating digital content is still not as common an activitiy as we might think...or wish. Yes, many of you are comfortable with it and create/share content readily, but I'm just saying that it's not the widespread practice that we think it is.

Despite wanting more content as a virtual participant, I do know that those on site had WAY MORE content than they ever thought possible.  The eLearning Guild has mastered the art of the conference and is always innovating and improving the experience for attendees, speakers, vendors, and virtual attendees. 

Recruiting the master of the conference backchannel David Kelly was a brilliant idea.  He is a passionate elearning professional with many years of experience in the trenchs of "real world" learning solutions.  And if you haven't heard, they also have Reubenn Tozman and Kevin Thorn chairing the 2 main Guild events.  Awesome!  I'm REALLY looking forward to attending events again very soon.  I probably won't make it too mLearnCon but I'm hoping for DevLearn 2013.

I'm still looking forward to reviewing the rest of the content that I missed. I know there is a lot in the form of handouts, twitter stream, etc. Being a virtual attendee was fun but I would prefer to be there. I hope to see y'all soon...in person.


 

#LSCon Day 1 General Session - Learning Solutions 2012

I haven't blogged during a general session in a long time and so I thought I'd try it again.  Heidi Fisk, co-founder of the eLearning Guild opened the general session and introduced John Maeda, the morning keynote.  He is the author of Redesigning Leadership.

"The is no "i" in team. But there are lots of "i's" in individual. There is a "WE" in Welcome."

I like this.  Each person acting individually is what makes the team.  And individuals engaging other individuals by making them feel welcome, and special, is an important part of being a team member.

Leaders engage with stories.  And the most important times of uncertainty are when we need leaders the most.

Sense actively:  Artists are doing the "wrong" thing at the right time.  Artists, creatives, are important.  Leaders need to be more willing to act creatively.

Fail Productively:  Trying and failing is an important part of leadership.  And allowing others to do so is even more important.

There is so much MORE! John is GREAT! I have not read the book, but if you were not at his keynote I would think it's a safe bet to recommend his book.  His book signing is next.

For more social media from the #lscon event check out lscon.hashcaster.com.