It dawned on me today that I’ve been able to come away with one truly “Big Find” from my attendance at each of the last three Annual Gatherings. There are many, many finds to be had but, I think the “Big Find” is that one new person that amazes, inspires, and teaches you something you didn’t know before. Meeting this person makes you want to learn all their tips and tricks, and keeps you driven to keep learning more about the elearning field in general. They are much like that latest television show you always watch or tape so you never miss a single episode.
For the first of my attendance that was Brent Schlenker. His presentations inspired me to begin blogging. My second year of attendance was B.J. Schone, his blog and his knowledge about mobile learning kept me reading each an every one of his posts. I’ll admit I’ve also sent him many questions over the past two years about elearning and LMSs.
This year I think the “Big Find” was Tom Kuhlmann. I happen to come across a flyer in the lobby and after reading it walked into the expo to see if I could get my hands on a Captain Smiley from the Articulate booth. Not only did I add to my little collection for squeezey characters, but to my surprised I learned so many neat Articulate tricks from him in just 30 minutes.
I’m sorry to admit here, that it wasn’t until I walked away that I realized why his name was so familiar. Tom is the author of The Rapid eLearning Blog. What I love about his postings is that they may come from the Articulate camp, but you need not have the tool to find his postings useful. Each week there are simple and practical tips, tricks, and demos that anyone can incorporate into any of their training. The past few weeks have included:
Mar. 24, 2009 3 Easy Ways to Create Silhouette Characters
Mar. 17, 2009 Here’s Why PowerPoint 2007 Helps You Build Better E-Learning
Mar. 10, 2009 50 Practical Tips & Tricks to Build Better E-Learning
Mar. 03, 2009 3 Proven Techniques to Add Creativity to Your E-Learning Courses
This gentleman was truly a great find of this year’s Annual Gathering. Thanks Tom for the continued inspiration to make my learning more engaging for my audience.
Thanks, Tracy. I’m honored! 🙂 I’ve definitely learned some LMS implementation lessons from you, for sure.
I completely agree that the best thing you can do at a conference is meet people. Both Tom and Brent are awesome; I’ve learned a ton from each of them.
And I’m sure you’ve been somebody else’s Big Find, whether you know it or not!
-B.J.
I agree with you B.J. he really shared a very good knowledge with us, keep it up.
It was a delightful surprise to see this in my reader. Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad that i was able to offer some helpful tips. Have a great week.
Thanks for all the kind words. Its always fun to watch people progress in their careers and in their learning. You’ve done some amazing things and I’m so glad you are now sharing them with others by becoming an AWESOME presenter.
Its wonderful people like you and BJ and Tom and all the many others that make me very happy to be in this business. You ROCK!