How to Build a Social Network

In Part 1 of this post, I reviewed some of our company’s history with learning products and how we traveled the circuitous path to arrive at the launch of Xplana.com. I also talked about three elements that have contributed into our general product design foundation.

Don’t Work in a Vacuum — Be aware of the work and thinking done by others, as well as the strengths of similar products and markets.
Develop a Core Product Philosophy — Before you create a single design document or even start your wish list, make sure you have a clear and firm core product philosophy. Ours is simple — connect individual learners to content and communities.
Be Aware of Your Product Principles — There are three fundamental principles that guide our decision making with regards to product design: 1) the shift from group to individual; 2) the shift from building to integrating; 3) the shift from controlling to granting freedom.
These guiding principles are mostly useful to us when we get into “gray areas” or tight spots and can’t decide which direction to take with out product design. They are concepts we can refer to in order to help us re-ground our thinking and re-focus or purpose.

Once you have a basic product design foundation, you have to establish key areas of focus that will determine what features and functionality to prioritize, as well as how you architect and deliver those things to your users. With regards to Xplana.com, we have four general areas of such focus. These are what really form the boundaries of our vision and direct us to our end goal of a rich social learning platform.

  1. Focus on the individual learner (any kind — student or master learner/teacher) — This goes back to our core philosophy of connecting individual learners to content and community. Our belief is that in an ideal social learning network, each individual learner should maintain control of where he/she goes, as well as with whom or what he/she connects. In traditional learning systems, like an LMS, the design is intentionally around the concept of a group or container. These systems have not real purpose, in fact, without a formal learning community of some kind. While a social learning platform like ours can certainly support groups — informal and formal — they are not the center of gravity. This should and does guide our decisions about features, workflows, roles and permissions.
  2. Focus on connections and aggregation — We always start with the individual learner, and then begin asking how we can facilitate connections, our goal being to encourage individuals to create a certain amount of network/learning complexity through these connections. This desire for connection means bringing in as much content as possible through as many channels as we can integrate. In our initial launch, for example, we will feature direct integration with YouTube and Photobucket for publishing and aggregating content. we will pre-aggregate and categorize news and blog feeds and also allow/encourage learners to add new ones and share them. In addition, we will pre-populate our digital content library with as many open educational resources as possible. Any of this content, along with the content created by our learners can be shared in multiple ways, not only with users within Xplana.com but also with friends and connections via Facebook and/or Twitter.

With every feature and design element, we ask ourselves “how can this be used to connect?” This focus helps drive a number of other product design pieces as well. For example, we believe strongly that we shouldn’t re-invent any wheels. People already have tons of content all over the Web. We want to encourage them to keep using and adding to that content while we provide a convenient, single location for bringing it all together. Also, our drive to connect people to content means that we spend a significant portion of our energies on information management — personal tags, taxonomies, and search. We believe that our success, in part, is directly related to the ease with which people can find what they want.

  1. Focus on the disaggregation of content — Overall, we view our product concept as one that is “containerless” — rather than begin with pre-conceived notions of how learners want to collect or organize their experience, we focus on providing and open arena in which they can explore and work, along with the tools to build the containers of their own design and choice. With regards to content, this means breaking content down into as many disaggregated pieces as possible so that users can have the greatest flexibility possible in building their own resources.
  2. Focus on distribution — Connecting, at least in our view of a social learning platforms, means connecting wherever or whenever a learner happens to be. This means providing a framework for mobile distribution that allows learners to create and connect (content and people) with a wide variety of devices and options. To that end, we will launch our platform with apps designed specifically for the iPhone and Android OS platforms. We will begin by focusing on the individual students and their learning lives, and then extend the framework to support master learners/teachers and a more distributed notion of our platform itself. Ultimately, we believe that learners should be able to choose, at a granular level, which pieces of our platform they want to use at any time (as well as how they use it).

Fear of Failure in the World of Online Learning

So, back to the problem of jibber-jabber. What is it that students are complaining about with the jibber-jabber? It is not the jibber-jabber itself, clearly: just take a look at ICQ and chat messaging abbreviations – talk about jibber-jabber! The problem is instead the students’ failure to understand the computer jargon or computer procedures, and the deep-seated fear of failure that haunts the school environment.Many students still think their primary goal in school is to avoid failure. To never make a mistake. There are not many students who can regard their purpose in school as learning (including learning through their mistakes)… and you cannot blame them. You almost always get graded on what you know, which is not necessarily the same as being graded on what you have learned. And there are all kinds of things that students have to learn about in order to succeed when using online courseware – things that they did not need to know for school before.Think about the typical classroom experience. You have to show up on time: that’s about the only thing you can fail at. You are not going to fail at getting into the building, opening the classroom door, sitting in your seat, and maintaining a more or less vertical posture for the next 50 or 75 minutes. If you can physically set yourself in motion (i.e., get out of bed), the odds of success are high! Admittedly, we do not offer a lot of overt praise for students’ success in arriving at the classroom, but it is at least a small kind of success. It is certainly not a failure. Imagine if at least four or five times a semester, you went to sit down in your chair in the classroom and the chair broke into pieces and you were left sitting on your ass in the middle of the classroom. Failure. In public. Awful!Yet that public failure is just what happens with computer-based course management systems. At least that is what happens at my school, where we use Blackboard as our course management system. Several times a semester, the students go to take their seat in Blackboard and something horrible happens. Sometimes it is a result of their own technical error, sometimes it is a system error. In any case, there are technical difficulties, and you need some technical knowledge to sort out and respond to those difficulties when they arise.But instead, the students often react to those problems with a sense of personal failure. “I can’t do anything on the computer.” “I did something wrong.” “I broke Blackboard.”Instead of saying, “What is wrong here?”, they ask – sometimes explicitly – “What is wrong with me?”Then, in a natural reaction to this sense of failure, they push the experience away. The computer is “jibber-jabber”, it is meaningless, it is dangerous, stay away, or you might fail. As the student said in the fairy tale he wrote for class yesterday: “If you can�t code the button, you fail.” (Interestingly, this student, who is clearly very hard on himself when it comes to computing, is also extremely hard on other students in the class, making the most harsh comments about the other students’ projects, chastising them very strongly for any technical difficulties they are having with their webpages.)The threat of failure… or at least of the feeling of failure. It is a risk that comes with the use of any computer-based course management systems. By using a CMS to supplement, or even replace, the traditional classroom, we have to be aware that we are asking students to do more. And that means we are asking them to risk more: to risk failure. And that is a risk that many students have learned – through years of schooling – to avoid at all costs. Why take risks? The most important thing is to avoid failing…So how can we justify asking students to do more, to risk more? Well, we have to offer them greater rewards! Unfortunately, the only kind of reward that we officially recognize in school is usually grades. For some students, a course management system might offer a way to get better grades: because it adapts to a wider range of cognitive learning styles and can offer different kinds of learning activities, students might embrace a computer-based course management system in the hopes of getting higher grades.But I doubt it.And that’s the wrong game to play, after all. Those of us who are committed to computer-based course management systems need to have loftier goals than higher grades: we need to challenge ourselves as teachers to use these new tools to offer our students much more than that. We need to offer them real learning opportunities, different and better than the learning opportunities that they had before… learning opportunities that will give students the same sense of intrinsic satisfaction and self-motivated pleasure that they feel when using cell phones and video games and online chat, which students clearly enjoy despite the jibber-jabber.The next question: what kinds of things can students do online that will lead that sense of intrinsic satisfaction? how can we make online learning worth the risk?
 

XplanaBook

XplanaBook is a Flash-based media book that transforms traditional textbooks into interactive learning experiences for students.

XplanaBook is a Flash-based media book platform that transforms traditional textbooks into integrated learning experiences for students. XplanaBook not only has advanced “book” tools such as index and glossary, but also boasts a unique user interface that affords readers ultimate flexibility in terms of their experience. All media and assessment types can be embedded seamlessly into XplanaBook, and the platform integrates seamlessly with our XplanaCourse LMS platform.

In-Depth Adobe Learning Manager Reviews & Insights

In the competitive landscape of eLearning tools, Adobe stands out as a pioneer with its Adobe Learning Manager, a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that caters to the diverse needs of modern businesses. Originating from a company that has set the benchmark in digital media since its inception in 1982, Adobe Learning Manager has been the subject of numerous Adobe learning manager reviews. Organizations seeking to enhance their Learning and Development (L&D) practices have frequently turned to Adobe, recognizing it as offering some of the best LMS software by Adobe.

Through incisive user feedback on Adobe LMS, this solution has been lauded for its ability to create seamless, engaging, and personalized online learning experiences. A deep review of the Adobe learning management system reveals its strength in delivering content across devices, aiding both learners and administrators. The regular feature updates and intuitive design have garnered positive Adobe LMS reviews, reflecting its commitment to quality and innovation. From extensive Adobe Learning Manager testimonials, it is evident that the system’s versatility has substantial real-world impact, influencing its adoption across industries.

Key Takeaways

  • Adobe Learning Manager is a leader in digital media and publishing solutions, extending its excellence to L&D.
  • Consistent positive reviews highlight the system’s focus on creating exceptional learning experiences.
  • Its single-page user interface design simplifies the course development process.
  • Feedback emphasizes the system’s adaptability to serve a vast array of learning materials and certifications.
  • Adobe LMS stands out for its regular updates and feature enhancements, as well as the provision of a versatile learning environment.
  • User testimonials regularly testify to the impressive organizational capabilities and efficacy of the LMS.
  • With a global reach, Adobe Learning Manager excels in multilingual course delivery, maximizing accessibility for a diverse learner base.

Understanding Adobe Learning Manager’s Evolution and Identity

Emerging from the genesis point of Adobe Creek in California, Adobe has carved a position of innovation and foresight within the software industry, setting the groundwork for its diversified product offerings. The evolution of Adobe Learning Manager stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to dissect and enhance the learning journey for both the individual and the organization. With this cloud-based Learning Management System, Adobe merges its historical significance and modern progression into a single, dynamic educational platform.

Historical Development of Adobe

Adobe’s storied past, hailing from its humble beginnings near the Adobe Creek, mirrors its ascent to becoming a global sovereign in creative solutions. This legendary journey has resulted in a repository of digital tools that go far beyond their iconic Adobe Photoshop. Armed with a legacy of pioneering creativity and streamlining workflows, Adobe propelled into the learning and development space, determined to transpose their innovation into the realm of eLearning.

Core Philosophies Behind Adobe Learning Manager

At the crux of Adobe Learning Manager’s development is the philosophy of learner-first methodology backed by technology that champions intuitive use and a personalized learning approach. Underlying this philosophy is the imperative to keep both the learner and administrator in continuous alignment through thoughtful design and systemic evolution. This focus is evident in the system’s regular enhancements, designed to buttress an already robust set of Adobe learning manager features, attracting commendable adobe learning manager ratings within the industry.

Solution Range Beyond Photoshop – Emphasizing eLearning Tools

Adobe’s forte extends its reach beyond the realm of image manipulation into the fertile grounds of eLearning, manifesting a suite of tools that facilitate effective knowledge transfer and skill acquisition. Adobe Learning Manager emerges as a centerpiece in this collection, manifested from a drive to go beyond superficial digital interactions to deep, meaningful educational experiences. The system’s versatility and insightful Adobe learning manager pros and cons cultivate a following among eLearning professionals seeking tools that deliver on the promise of technology-powered learning.

Adobe Learning Manager Reviews: A Deep Dive into Features and User Experience

As the need for advanced eLearning solutions grows, Adobe has risen to the challenge with the Adobe Learning Manager, a platform garnering extensive adobe lms performance reviews. This comprehensive examination of the system’s features and user experiences reveals a multifaceted learning environment that is both user-friendly and sophisticated, offering an array of tools for L&D professionals.

Central to the positive Adobe learning management system feedback is its user-friendly architecture. Learners and administrators alike benefit from the streamlined organization of online training programs, which Adobe Learning Manager facilitates with an intuitive interface and scalable functionality. The efficiency of the system is especially prominent in user reviews, highlighting how it simplifies the management and deployment of learning content.

In terms of functionality, the LMS is compatible with mobile apps, providing learners the flexibility to engage with the course material on a variety of devices—including the opportunity to access courses offline. This feature has been a particular highlight in adobe learning manager review comparison, as it directly addresses the need for learning solutions that keep pace with on-the-go lifestyles and remote work environments.

Adobe Learning Manager has been instrumental in providing effective solutions for a diverse range of training needs. It lends itself well to both global and local audiences through features that support compliance and skills training—an aspect frequently mentioned in user reviews for Adobe Learning Manager. The system’s commitment to personalization and adaptability fosters a personalized learning experience that resonates well with the end user, driving engagement and fostering skill development.

From the collected insights, Adobe Learning Manager stands out as a top-tier learning management system. Its capacity to adapt to varied educational scenarios and to provide continuous learning opportunities, irrespective of device or location, underscores its reputation as a robust tool in the eLearning marketplace. Adobe’s dedication to nurturing a rich learning experience is reflected through ongoing system enhancements, keeping it at the forefront of LMS innovation.

How Adobe LMS Ratings Reflect its Impact on Learning and Development

In the realm of Learning Management Systems, Adobe Learning Manager has consistently earned accolades for empowering learners and facilitators with a comprehensive, dynamic platform. The spectrum of adobe lms user experiences encapsulates a thriving ecosystem where the technological prowess of Adobe has made a significant imprint on the eLearning industry. Ratings are not just numbers; they narrate the collective success stories and the transformative journey of Adobe’s LMS.

Evaluating the Versatility and Intuitiveness of the System

Encounter any list of best adobe learning manager reviews and discover common threads of praise highlighting the system’s versatility and user-friendly interface. This LMS is renowned for its ability to bring clarity to complex learning modules, thereby easing the administrative burden on L&D teams. A blend of intuitive design and thoughtful features means that educators and learners alike find Adobe Learning Manager to be a natural extension to their learning and teaching endeavors.

Continual Updates and Their Implications for Users

Adobe’s commitment to refinement and progress is evident through the evolutionary trajectory of Adobe Learning Manager. With every update, the company ensures that their platform not only meets but anticipates the emerging needs of modern-day learning environments. Living through the reviews—top rated adobe learning manager reviews in particular—reveals a pattern of users experiencing and benefiting from enhancements spanning from rich media content integration to advanced analytics, affirming that Adobe Learning Manager is far more than a static LMS, it is a growing, adaptive learning partner.

Exploring the Variety of Learning Scenarios with Adobe Learning Manager

Adobe Learning Manager has distinguished itself within the eLearning community, showcasing an impressive array of features that facilitate a spectrum of training and skill development opportunities. From the feedback gathered through various adobe lms ratings, it’s clear that its adaptability is a core strength, allowing the software to cater to an expansive range of organizational needs.

When considering the best adobe learning manager software, organizations often note its ability to scale from concise employee training for emerging enterprises to multi-faceted development programs within global conglomerates. This scalability evidences the platform’s applicability to myriad educational requirements and its capacity to deliver a tailored learning experience universally acclaimed in user ratings for adobe learning manager.

Localization stands out as another highlighted feature, with Adobe Learning Manager boasting support for up to 10 languages, thereby elevating the system’s relevance within a globalized business environment. Additionally, the integration with platforms like Adobe Connect opens the virtual classroom door, forging an educational bridge between learner and content, regardless of geographical constraints.

The bread and butter of any effective LMS is the range of content it can support, and here Adobe Learning Manager thrives. It affords L&D professionals the flexibility to utilize various content types, from video to interactive eLearning packages, aligning with diverse learning styles and objectives. Such versatility has cemented Adobe Learning Manager’s position as a powerful tool at the forefront of corporate learning solutions.

The Broad Spectrum of Businesses Benefited by Adobe Learning Manager

In today’s dynamic business environment, Adobe Learning Manager stands as a versatile LMS that spans across industries, offering tailor-made solutions for a wide range of enterprises. Whether the organization is a budding small-to-medium enterprise or a sprawling multinational corporation, Adobe Learning Manager’s scalable solutions ensure that each business’s unique training needs are met with precision and effectiveness.

Scalability for Small-to-Medium Enterprises and Large Corporations

Smaller businesses benefit from Adobe Learning Manager’s cost efficiency and ease of content creation, which allows for quick implementation and a focus on growing enterprise needs. As these organizations expand, the LMS scales in tandem, providing additional functionality and support required to manage an increasing volume of learning materials and user data. For larger corporations, the LMS’s robust infrastructure enables the deployment of extensive training programs, with complex reporting and compliance tools that simplify the oversight of global teams. Reviews often highlight these Adobe Learning Manager benefits as key factors influencing their choice.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Integrated Learning Solutions

Case studies document the success stories of companies that have integrated Adobe Learning Manager into their L&D strategy. These narratives often emphasize the platform’s role in transforming corporate training, with Adobe Learning Manager customer reviews detailing enhanced learner engagement, improved performance metrics, and a noticeable return on investment. Such accounts are vital to recognizing the LMS as one among the top Adobe Learning Manager alternatives in the market, solidifying its position through demonstrated efficacy and user satisfaction.

Analyzing System Configuration and Ease of Setup in User Testimonials

The initial setup and continued management of a Learning Management System (LMS) can be a daunting task for many companies. Nevertheless, Adobe Learning Manager eases these concerns with a setup and system configuration that receives widespread praise for their simplicity and streamlined design. Users point to Adobe’s well-crafted video tutorials as essential tools that assist them in quickly grasping the full array of Adobe Learning Manager features. This aspect of the LMS is frequently highlighted in user testimonials, underlining the ease with which companies can get their eLearning initiatives up and running.

When evaluating Adobe Learning Manager, organizations are vigilant about the system’s capabilities and performance. The breadth of features, addressing everything from reporting and administration to compliance and social learning, is designed to support an array of L&D requirements. User feedback suggests that these features are intuitive and contribute to a smooth user experience, further solidifying Adobe Learning Manager as a robust tool for any learning strategy. The system’s evolving nature indicates Adobe’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its LMS to better serve users.

Price considerations are integral to any organization’s decision-making process, prompting many to perform an Adobe Learning Manager pricing comparison. Reviews reveal that Adobe’s pricing structure offers a competitive edge, especially beneficial for entities with a substantial number of learners. Furthermore, Adobe Learning Manager’s ability to integrate seamlessly with a range of external content providers enhances its appeal, as it streamlines user access and management. This seamless interplay between extensive features and competitive pricing solidifies Adobe Learning Manager as an astute choice for companies seeking efficiency and comprehensive learning solutions.

What’s in the News: Do Not Freak Out!

Thousands of students are gearing up for their last college semester this spring. I always pictured this time of my life filled with excitement and happiness… no one prepared me for the feeling of helplessness. Although not finished until August, I feel the plight of my peers; what happens now? Where will I live? And most importantly, what will I do?

Unemployment rates are steadily decreasing, although very modestly according to a report Although in this recession, many would argue that any decrease is good. Yet what about all of the students who will enter the job market after college? Many of my friends have already committed to going home where their parents are and figuring it out in the safest place in the world; with the comfort of mommy and daddy. Some of my more daring friends have decided to prolong their undergraduate career by adding on a double major or a couple of minors; being in the job market is far too risky right now and being in school is safe is the logic for many of them. My more hopeful friends are banking on acceptance into graduate school, Peace Corps, Teach for America or some other program that provides resume building without entering the realm of a 9a.m-5p.m. I only have ONE friend who is actually actively pursuing a job.

Is there an approach that is best? I have no idea. I am just as scared and confused as the next soon to be grad. I too, toyed with the idea of adding a double major… but there needs to be sufficient $$$ for that. I love my family, but I never pictured myself living at home again; I also am unsure if I could handle rules after four years of freedom (ice cream in the morning? I think yes, mom votes NO). Graduate school is a definite possibility but with programs accepting 7-9 out of the 150+ that apply I feel like my chances are grim but not completely desolate. Yet the application pool is much more competitive than before with many adults rationalizing the best way to move up the career ladder is by returning to school years after they received their bachelor’s degree,

So how do I plan on getting through this next semester and the summer? By telling myself: “Do Not Freak Out- Remain Calm.” I also plan to use my itunes a lot in these upcoming months. Rocking out to some music is actually not only a way to build rhythm, but a great way to de-stress according to emedexpert.com (http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/music.shtml). Fellow students, don’t worry, if the job market does not clear up in 6months and being a humanitarian does not work out and you don’t get into graduate school or mom and dad say no to moving back home, there is always the option of … of… well let me know if you figure it out.