Maybe it was the way the person worded their message, or perhaps it’s just timing, but the message caused me to pause and realize that this “little” blog of mine is read by some people, and it influences them. And, I felt a little surprised (and pleased) by that.

I admit that the inter-state move DH and I made a year ago to explore new opportunities (see: How to Live a Dream) has occupied a great deal of time in my thoughts and activities. More than I expected, and it’s been wonderful fun to spend time in the Real World, with “real people”. We’ve only just begun to explore some fascinating real estate in our local national forests, and I look forward to going camping as the weather warms up.

The latest message I received that asked for my advice caught my attention as it came from an Instructional Systems Design Master of Arts candidate at an east coast university. Very far removed from my current geographical location and my mental mindset. The message tugged at my heart. I’m going to respond privately to that person, and I’m going to return to this blog and continue to share my thoughts and ideas, because there are a few people who read it, and it makes a positive difference in their world.

I guess I was surprised by that.

I confess that I’ve also been “consumed” by Twitter. Maybe even addicted. I love the instant feedback, the instant networking that comes from 140-character tweets. I confess that most of the time I feel “Why blog when I can tweet?” Especially, because I can tweet easier on mobile devices versus writing a blog post on my MacBook Pro laptop that sits on my desk. (Find me here: @jenisecook)

That person’s e-mail message showed me that blogging still matters. There’s a place and time for Twitter, and there’s a place and time for blogging.

Note: The series on Josh Clark’s book Tapworthy will continue. I had to do my taxes (early!!) and get some other administrative work done, and those activities interrupted the series. My apologies.

Thanks for reading!

In the USA, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is a federal holiday observed this year on Monday, January 16th. Americans who take that day off from work are encouraged to spend their time off by giving back to their communities through volunteer time and effort.

For the e-learning community, there are many opportunities for volunteer service, and I’d like to point out just one:

LINGOs eLearning Global Give Back Competiton

From their Web site:

Now in its third year, the eLearning Global Giveback Competition provides the opportunity for course developers to work with international non-profit organizations to develop online courses. These courses help the global staff of NGOs (non-governmental organizations)  do their work in the fields of humanitarian relief, development, conservation and social justice even better.

So, if you (or someone you know) is looking for a service project, this “competiton” is a great way for e-learning professionals to volunteer and serve!

As a blast from the past, here’s a blog post I wrote after working with World Vision, Inc. on a LINGOs project.

Why I Entered the 2010 Articulate Guru Awards

I welcome 2011 with a smile as I also look back on 2010. From Christmas through New Years, I was on vacation with family in real world, and learned how much I depend on the Internet and on social media, or SoMe. Although I was supposed to be offline, I did use my iPad to check my social networks occasionally and post a few comments. In all honesty, I felt afraid I was going to miss out on important tweets or status updates on LinkedIn or Facebook. However, I was rewarded with wonderful F2F (face-to-face) time with my loved ones, and saw some beautiful scenery in Prescott, Arizona.

I did think about what I learned in 2010, and what the learning might mean for 2011. I bravely and humbly share a partial list with you:

1. Mobile [ fill-in-the-blank ] is here, and is here to stay and grow. I bought an iPad for my business and use it daily. In addition, non-mobile family members and friends moved to smartphones, and they quickly became “addicted” mobile learners; even the older folks. In the new year, I plan to become more involved in mobile anything.
2. Social Networking via the Internet is also here to stay and grow in leaps and bounds. On a daily basis I use Twitter, Skype, LinkedIn, and (to a lesser degree) Facebook to connect with a wide, virtual network of amazing colleagues. I’ve gained new consulting work through this network as well as exchanged expertise. Social media (SoMe) is a permanent part of my business. I will continue to nurture and grow my network in 2011.
3. Face-to-face Networking still plays an important part in my consulting practice. I pick up the phone and make a call instead of sending an email, and I schedule business lunches when possible. I’ve also discovered that when I’ve had the opportunity to meet my virtual SoMe colleagues in person, it feels like a joyful “reverse reunion”, where we finally get to add the F2F connection to a carefully nurtured business relationship. I look forward to more F2F connections this new year.
4. SCORE business mentors (click to learn more) provide amazing resources to anyone who is starting a business … and, their advice is free. SCORE also offers low-cost workshops. In 2011, I plan to leverage the wisdom and experience from these generous, warm, and encouraging mentors.

I’ve learned a great deal in 2010, and it’s hard to pick and choose what to share in this post. What did you learn in 2010 that you’d like to share with me and with others? Please feel free to add a Comment to this post!

On Twitter

@jenisecook or www.twitter.com/jenisecook

On LinkedIn

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenisecook

On Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/jenisecook.ridgeviewmedia

The e-Learning Guild held its annual DevLearn Conference in San Francisco, California, earlier this month. Hundreds of instructional designers and developers attended as always. Me? I had e-learning projects to wrap up, and I felt sad that I could not fly up and see some wonderful people this year.

Instead, Terrence Wing, of LiquidLearn, interviewed me for a (pre-recorded) streaming Web T.V. broadcast he used in an all-day, pre-conference workshop! So, in a way, I was at DevLearn, but virtually.

I’m posting the YouTube video Terrence made. I’m humbly grateful for this wonderful opportunity he gave me to share my crazy thoughts on instructional design. Here’s what Terrence wrote about this video:

Terrence used Justin.tv a streaming video tool you might want to look into for your video projects.

Enjoy!

(P.S. I haven’t written a blog post in over a month because I’ve been busy, but, I’ve also been spending more time posting on Twitter.com I’ve been learning a great deal lately about the effectiveness of social media. How about you? Feel free to write and share a Comment.)

My thanks to my sister who posted it to her Facebook wall.

And, no, I haven’t been the “bloop-bloop” person. I call in early!

“Hi, who just joined?”

Enjoy…

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