This Week's Herman Trend Alert The Consequences of Virtual Meetings

The Herman Trend Alert May 13, 2009 Learning on the Go This weekly newsletter has long promoted the potential of the mobile web. Now, there is another new function for this emerging platform: distance learning. Thanks to state-of-the-art software from a firm called Interactyx, colleges and universities, as well as corporate learning organizations, can now tap into the burgeoning mobile market. In a previous Herman Trend Alert, we highlighted research that indicated people value their cell phones and other mobile devices more highly than their computers. What is different about this new software is that it encourages social networking (Web 2.0 technology) for the learners to provide mutual support and it costs a fraction of what the other platforms providing similar distribution capabilities charge. Called TOPYX, this cost effective, information content distribution platform features a hosted learning management system. So it is ideal for corporate universities as well. By bringing top-notch interactive software together into a single platform, TOPYX gives organizations and learners an excellent resource for their knowledge sharing needs. It is affordable, easy-to-use, and engaging. The training firm Skillsoft recently formed a strategic alliance with Interactyx to begin using TOPYX as an alternate delivery system for its content. The most intriguing aspect of this new product for us is its integration of learning and informational content with robust social networking on one platform. Not only does the product create online communities where people can share their thoughts, but it also supports collaboration and group work. For the educators among us, it is also SCORM-compliant. For us not involved in the educational arena, SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It is a collection of standards and specifications for web-based e-learning. Given the level of facility and desire for advancing technologies of Generations X and Y, we expect TOPYX and products like it to do very well in the years to come. Add to that facility and affinity, the attraction of mobility and it is easy to understand why we are so excited about this new product. All one has to do is look at the remarkable success of the iPhone to begin to comprehend to amazing potential of mobile web applications. For more information, contact Jodi Harrison at jodi.harrison@interactyx.com or call 239-603-7529. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: RETENTION SPECIALIST PROGRAM A growing number of people have expressed an interest in attending our Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program. We'd like to schedule on that's convenient for those who want to attend, but need your feedback to do so. Please place RETENTION SPECIALIST in the subject line and Joyce will personally call you back to schedule the workshop. Or you can call Joyce directly at 336-210-3548 (PDT this and next week). BUSINESS IS PICKING UP Most employers are unprepared. The recovery will bring a new set of challenges for employers that have been in prolonged contracted mode. They will need more skilled workers or will need now to begin to upskill their current staffs. But organizations can not engage in Strategic Workforce Planning, when they don't know how. That's where The Herman Group can help. We can help you with your "People Review"----large or small---so that you will know who you will need and when you will need them. . . and we can also guide you to the best sources for the people you will need. For more information, call Joyce at 336-210-3548 or e-mail joyce@hermangroup.com. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR EMPLOYEES REALLY THINK AND FEEL Discover what’s really going on in the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-416-7066, or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. 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