May 15th Meeting
The Strategic Value of Learning in the Global War for Talent

Link to Free Low Cost eLearning Tools

Please check back for PowerPoint presentations from David Wilkins and Shawn Stiles. They will be posted as soon as they are recieved.

Keynote:
The Strategic Value of Learning in the Global War for Talent
David Wilkins, Vice President of Taleo Research


For years, learning professionals, like most of their HR colleagues, have been looking for a seat "at the table."  And for years, they have had very little success in getting into the room, let alone grabbing a seat. Fortunately, the opportunity has never been better: a combination of demographic, technological, cultural, and economic
changes are increasing the strategic importance of talent and learning practices and more importantly, the "perceived" importance among CEO's and senior executives. In this session, we'll talk about the underlying drivers of this change, the evidence that this is now a "top of mind" priority among senior leaders, and some ways that you can capitalize on these trends to increase the business impact and strategic relevance of your teams.

Bio: David Wilkins has been a thought leader in the online community and corporate learning industries for more than 15 years.  Through the development of award-winning simulation technology, LMS solutions, and social collaboration offerings, he has pioneered many innovative approaches to solve common workplace challenges, such as employee productivity and performance, recruiting and retention, and corporate communications.

Tech Talk:
Using Free and Low Cost Tools to Extend Your Development Toolkit

Shawn Stiles, Associate Director Quality Standards and Training Group Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer Global Research and Development


This presentation will discuss various freeware and shareware tools and low cost tools that you can use to enhance your development suite. This will cover graphics packages, authoring tools, screen capture and other tools.

Bio: M. Shawn Stiles is a Trainer and Instructional Designer with over 15 years experience in training and development. Shawn received his certification as a distance educator from New York University, his Bachelor of General Study's degree from the University of Connecticut and his Masters Degree in Education and E-Learning from the University of Phoenix Online, and is currently completing a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout

Our monthly meetings are designed for all: the employed, the self-employed and those in transition. The goal is to enhance your technology awareness, share the most current thinking on training and help people learn while providing opportunities to network with your colleagues.


AGENDA 6:00 – 6:15    Informal Networking/dinner
6:15 – 6:30    ASTD Business & Announcements
6:30 – 7:15    Tech Talk          
7:15 – 7:30    Break
7:30 – 8:45    Key Note
8:45 – 9:00    Closing Announcements


Location
Rebecca's Cafe (www.rebeccascafe.com) 275 Grove Street, Auburndale, MA 02459, 617-969-3382.

Note: There is no sign for Rebecca's on the street. 275 Grove St. is the Riverside Office Park, right next to the Riverside MBTA train and bus stop. Rebecca's is located at the back of the building, by the parking garage.