Socrates once railed against technology ruining actual learning (in his case, the written word replacing the oral tradition - a worry that almost ludicrous in hindsight). A few thousand years later, many people are still concerned that the ability to look things up instantly will subvert our ability to truly learn. This article we found from the BBC explores this issue, and shows how learning technology can quell these fears.

Sports science has touted recent research on muscle memory as it applies to how athletes succeed. Similarly, Julie Dirksen explores in this outstanding article how leaders can also create habit forming behaviors, so they can respond appropriately to challenging situations. As we continue to explore the importance of knowledge application this month in the blog, this is another suggested read.

If you enjoyed our three recent posts on PLA (Predictive Learning Analytics) and avoiding "scrap learning," you'll love next week's event! Join SEWI-ATD as Dr. Ken Phillips presents on how predictive analytics are changing TD for the better.  Get more information here.

In addition, CLO Magazine just posted yet another interesting article on the topic, here.

From Dr. Ken Phillips, CPLP (CEO of Phillips Consulting and May 20th SEWI-ATD guest speaker):

Imagine the possibilities if you could know at the conclusion of a learning program which learners are most and least likely to apply what they learned back on the job.

…Or, imagine if you had data indicating which managers did a good and poor job of supporting the learning they sent their employees to attend.

…Or, imagine if you had an objective way to compare the overall quality of one learning program with another so that you could revise or eliminate those programs that aren’t delivering value. 

Now all this and more is possible using Predictive Learning Analytics™ (PLA).

PLA is a revolutionary new way to apply data based decision-making to learning. The PLA methodology doesn’t replace traditional measurement and evaluation of learning, but rather builds upon it and provides two new exciting possibilities:

1) it focuses on individual learners and not on programs or cohorts; and
2) it focuses on predicting future behaviors or actions and not on documenting what has already happened. 

These two differences make Predictive Learning Analytics™ a game-changer, enabling L&D professionals to proactively and strategically increase training transfer while at the same time increasing their personal credibility with the business executive stakeholders they support. 

If you would like to learn more about Predictive Learning Analytics™ and how it can add value in your organization, come join me and your fellow Southeastern Wisconsin ATD Chapter members on Friday, May 20 to learn about the new tools and new rules for improving training transfer through the use of Predictive Learning Analytics™. 

Have you heard the term, "scrap learning?" It's a problem that occurs far too often within the L&D profession. Scrap learning is when people attend training, but don't apply what they learned. In this insightful post, Dr. Ken Phillips, CPLP and our upcoming speaker, shows us how to get learning to not only stick, but to transform behavior and produce results.

Want to learn more? Join us May 20, as Dr. Phillips speaks on this problem.

Many Learning and Development Professionals are struggling to keep up with the current trends in predictive analytics in business, and yet they can play a pivotal role in talent development. This article by Ryann K. Ellis demonstrates the advantages of using analytics in learning.

One of the major goals of this blog is to keep you abreast of the latest learning technologies, and to create awareness of what is coming in the future. On September 22, 2016, SEWI-ATD will hold its 2016 Annual Event, and this year it will be:

The Future...How Will You and Your Organization Remain Relevant?

Classroom Augmented Reality, Emerging Educational Technologies, Wearables and Beyond!

The event will be held at the majestic Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee, so block off your calendar now so you can attend this incredible event.

At the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of ATD, our combined vision and mission is to "Partner with individuals and organizations we serve to develop highly skilled and talented professionals" in the SEWI workforce. That especially applies to great Learning and Development Professionals like you. As the current VP of Communications for our chapter, I can think of no better way to do this than to develop a "must read" resource for you to stay current, and sift through all the noise.

Meet the SEWI-ATD Blog. We will work to bring you the best in talent and development research and enrichment, so that you can consider this blog a one-stop-repository to keep you abreast of what's current and what's next.

In the past, we've posted great information here casually to keep you informed, but going forward, we are committing to you to make this blog the go-to resource for you in the talent development field. Please take a moment to look back at the excellent content that we've already posted in the past, but make sure to check-in frequently to see the awesome content this blog will now provide on an ongoing and continual basis. Please tell us how we're doing as a blog, a website, and most importantly a chapter to help make you the best at what you do. 

Thanks for reading!

Andy Marris

P.S. If you're interested in blogging compelling information here, please don't hesitate to contact me at communications@sewi-atd.com.

Change is hard. Especially when one feels that one's credibility or competence will be challenged by the change. Yet every organization is looking for innovation. "Encouraged change." This article by Dorothy Leonard offers some unique perspectives on how fresh eyes, not just new ones and she explains the difference, can lead to innovations in the workplace (such as the space exploration team at NASA).

Doing more with less has been a mantra of organizations for better than a decade now. In fact, on April 22, SEWI-ATD will be offering an event on lean learning. Getting the right competencies in place to ensure your people are as effective as they can be in this environment is critical. This piece by Jim Graber is a great place to start.