Welcome to Quiet Power

ASTD Press
(American Society for Training & Development)
The Learning Advantage Blending Technology, Strategy, and Learning to Create Lasting Results

Karen Mantyla, Editor

The Learning Advantage takes you on a discovery tour of three internationally recognized companies (Accenture, Microsoft, and Caterpillar) and a single, large department within the U.S. Department of Labor, and reveals how they successfully blended organizational strategy and technology-based learning initiatives that resulted in measurable, bottom-line results. Editor and distance learning expert, Karen Mantyla, demonstrates through these case studies how the blending of technology, learning, and strategy creates the ultimate win-win scenario for organizations, while ensuring that training and learning budgets stay intact and the value of learning remains strong. Bonus: access to a downloadable, interactive exploration of the Microsoft’s X-Box 360 launch case study including examples of Microsoft’s innovative technology-supported learning efforts.

Ch. 1:   The Real Value of Learning
Ch. 2:   Transforming Learning at Accenture
Ch. 3:   Blending Technology, Learning, & Strategy-The Ultimate End Game
Ch. 4:   Strategic Application of Distributed Learning and ROI at Microsoft
Ch. 5:   Selecting the Right Blend of Learning at US Department of Labor
Ch. 6:   Learning Styles that Drive High Impact Learning
Ch. 7:   Managing Learning to Ensure Strategic Alignment with the Business
Ch. 8:   The Case for Learning and Strategic Alignment
Ch .9:   The Future of Learning and Human Resources
Ch.10: Creating Value for Your Organization
Bibliography/Index

Editor: Karen Mantyla
Karen Mantyla is President of Quiet Power, Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based distance-learning training and professional development consulting company. She has more than 25 years of specialized experience in the development and implementation of workplace education programs. She works as a consultant and executive coach and is author of seven books including: Distance Learning and Blended Learning: The Power is in the Mix, and Interactive Distance Learning Exercises, bothpublished by ASTD Press. Mantyla resides in Gainesville, VA, USA.

Philip J.-L. Westfall, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, United States Distance Learning Association
"Blending E-Learning is a 'must have' resource... this primer should greatly reduce the risk and fear of 'jumping in'."

Clark Aldrich, Former GartnerGroup E-learning Analyst
"This book is a perfect first read for anyone designing and executing an e-learning strategy."

Nina Nicolatseas, Customer Education Program Manager, Freddie Mac
"This book gives a lot of very useful information that can be applied now or applied later as needed."

The objective of this book is not to confuse the issues surrounding the technologies associated with e-learning, for there are enough excellent, but often fragmented pieces of information, swirling around that you may feel like you are hanging on to the tail of a tornado with greased hands. There does not seem to be any time to catch your breath to keep up with the constantly changing developments and opportunities on the e-learning landscape and horizon.

This book is about and creating your own carefully prepared and selected mix of learning technology applications. The book's companion CD illuminates two case study examples. These case studies demonstrate how world-class organizations created blended approaches based on training needs and requirements. Using the CD that accompanies this book, you will see the actual blended e-learning experience as seen through the eyes of the learner. Seeing is believing, as the saying goes! What the CD does is show you how the blend of methods, media, and delivery provides a just-in-time, interesting, informational, educational and enjoyable learning experience for the learner. You will be able to read the case studies from IBM and Intellinex Corporation, and then use the CD to bring the text-based learning descriptions of their blended approach and see the actual student materials, demonstrated right on your own desktop.

For the Second Year The “Best of the Best” in Distance Learning
All in One Convenient, Time-Saving Resource

Don’t subscribe to a dozen journals and spend hours hunting for the best articles to stay current in the rapidly changing field of distance learning. Find everything you need to know in one comprehensive guide and review of the state of distance learning with The 2001/2002 ASTD Distance Learning Yearbook. This single reference allows trainers and HR professionals to easily stay abreast of the dramatic changes taking place in the distance learning field. After great success with the first annual edition (2000/2001), ASTD, once again brings together “the best of the best” articles and information, summarizing the state of distance learning and future trends from leading publications like The Journal of Distance Learning, Training Magazine, The Multimedia Training Newsletter, and more.

The Yearbook is designed to help you understand the problems, approaches, successes, failures, and distance learning “lessons learned” from training professionals and leading experts in the field of technology. Features:

The 2001/2002 ASTD Distance Learning Yearbook is a timely reference book for training professionals who don’t want to miss any important developments in distance learning.

Part One:             The State of Distance Learning
Part Two:             Technology Overview: E-Learning Leads the Way
Part Three:           State of the Art Corporate Distance Learning
Part Four:             State of the Art Distance Learning in Government
Part Five:             State of the Art Distance Learning in Higher Education
Part Six:               Instructional Design for Distance Learning
Part Seven:          Teaching Strategies for Distance Learning
Part Eight:            Evaluating Program Success
Part Nine:             Distance Learning Case Studies
Part Ten:              Benchmarks for Successful DL Programs

Distance learning: A Step-by-Step Guide for Trainers
Mantyla, Karen; Gividen, Richard J.
Provides a guideline for delivering training using specific distance learning technologies such as teleconferencing, computer conferencing, interactive satellite television, and CBT. Walks you through the process of strategic planning, equipment installation, instructional design considerations, training the trainers, remote site coordination, course evaluation, and learner support. Provides help with justifying the need for Distance Learning. Includes a glossary, appendices of distance learning equipment and vendors, organizations that use distance learning, and reference sources including books, journals, WWW sites, trade shows and conferences. 1997

"Finally, a book on distance learning that scores a direct hit! Firmly grounded in practical application, Karen Mantyla has done an excellent job and herculean effort on addressing the pertinent issues of interactivity in a distance learning environment. A must read!"

Dr. Jolly Holden, Chief Learning Strategist, Spacenet, Inc