U Nvr No…

Have you ever heard of Manga or graphic literature?

I hadn’t until I attended the Training Magazine 2009 Conference in February. Daniel H. Pink was one of the keynote speakers; his original topic was to be from his book A Whole New Mind.  He did an unusual thing by offering the audience a choice between the original topic or learning about Manga using his latest book, The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need.

The audience overwhelmingly chose the new topic, intrigued by the comic book style of presentation. What an exciting journey it was for this Baby Boomer. First, I learned that Manga is extremely popular worldwide, especially with the younger generations. Second and most importantly, I learned how Pink used Manga to teach job hunting skills to the Millennial (Gen Y) generation. Johnny Bunko is a groundbreaking example of using Manga for training in America.

I am experimenting with using Manga for a module in my Bridging the Generational Divide program because it will appeal to the Millennials.  Look for graphic literature in your library and bookstores and see if it could be just the thing for your next training program.

Marcia

How come it always takes three times longer to prepare for a conference than you plan?

Maybe because you are like me and always have to change things, add something new, or research some new information!  It is worth all the time spent preparing because I know I have given my best for the program.

Be sure to check my blog of news on the ASTD conference and my session in the next few weeks.   Keep your fingers crossed!

I want to let you know I am speaking at ASTD 2009 International Conference & Exposition, which is being held in Washington , DC this year. This is the first year I’ve participated as a speaker.

On Monday, June 1, at 4 p.m., I will teach a focused breakout session titled “Bag it! A Remarkably Quick and Easy Instructional Design Process.”

As part of the conference’s instructional design track, I use just four lunch bags and a handful of index cards to teach a new instructional design process that saves time, effort, and expense.

Marcia

Make it easy for your learners to connect with each other, the topics, and you as their guide. Plan for them to connect to each other, this lowers learners’ nervousness and increases the positive anticipation.  Connections create community and a sense of community lowers the barriers to learning.  Back on the job participants can use these connections to continue to support each other.

Here’s what I do:

#1 Create a welcoming and fun environment.

-Set up tables with 4 – 7 participants at each and make sure there is space for the participants to move around.
-Hang quotes, posters and flip charts for up-coming activities are on the walls.
-Put colored markers, highlighters, pens and sticky notes of various colors & sizes in paper bags or boxes on each table.
Engage kinesthetic learners by having toys, stickers, pipe cleaners, play dough, Lego’s and items that relate to your content such as wire, parts, credit card blanks, or play money.

Read more »