This week’s curated content includes links exploring the following:

• how a governance framework can help inform technology purchase decisions
• how software training can be done without actual training
• another example of marketing techniques that can be used by L&D professionals
• the critical elements needed in online communities
• tips for creating game-based learning from card game makers
• a great example of where AR and VR can intersect

Corral fast-moving learning technology and curation with a governance framework by Amy A. Titus, Jen Behrens, & Michelle Weaver
As more and more learning technologies emerge, it becomes increasingly challenging for individuals and organizations to vet technologies and make purchasing decisions. This post explores how the use of a governance framework can facilitate those decisions.

How to design software training, part 1: Do everything except “train” by Cathy Moore
For many orgainzations, courses are the default solution used by training departments. There’s nothing wrong with a course or with training being used to solve a performance issue, but it shouldn’t be the default. When I would coach the ID teams I supported, one of the most common questions I would ask was “What’s the least disruptive way we can address this?” That was the lens through which I wanted them to see their work. This excellent post takes that idea and makes it tactical.

Engage Learners One Drip at a Timeby Bianca Bauman
There are plenty of techniques Marketing departments use that L&D Professionals can learfn from. This post examines one such marketing technique – the Drip Campaign – and examines how it can be used in the context of Onboarding and other training programs.

3 Essential Elements to Build an Online Communityby Elizabeth Pierce
Online communities are a popular topic in L&D, but what really qualifies as an online community? This post explores three components that are needed for something to truly be a community.
I also like that after explaining the three components, the author takes time to explore an example of the components in action.

5 Steps to Creating Your Own Killer Card Game via Shuffled Ink
Games-based learning continues to gain interest in our industry. There are a number of challenges that existing designers encounter when they decide to venture into the world of game-based learning. One of those challenges is overlooking the important parts of building a game that is not necessarily part of the traditional instructional design and development workflow. This post explores 5 steps that are critical to building an effective card game. While the post is centered on card-based games, the steps and ideas shared here are transferable to most game-based learning initiatives.

The Red Cross Chooses AR To Highlight The Visceral Realities Of War by Peter Graham
This article explores an interesting app called Enter the Room, which is an app the Red Cross created to help people experience the effects wars can have on families, as seen through the eyes of a child. The article describes the app, which is an interesting example of how AR and VR can be used to help people learn through story. However, I also recommend you download the app itself and take part in the experience (which is only a few minutes long). While the experience is worth it on its merits, I share it here because it’s an interesting example of technology being used to help people learn without it looking like education, and it’s also another fascinating example of how the AR and VR discussions continue to evolve and in many ways intersect.

What’s NEW at Learning Solutions this year?

This year’s #LSCon is bigger and better than ever, and we’ve added a number of new features based on the feedback from our community. Here are a few exciting things you can expect in the conference this March in Orlando:

• Learning Platforms: The learning technology landscape is more complex than ever before. Our new dedicated track helps you make sense of the expanding world of learning platforms
• International Perspectives: We’re featuring more speakers from outside North America to showcase examples from all around the globe.
• Industry Insights: Do you work in healthcare, finance, or retail? We have curated paths exploring stories from your industry.
• More and Longer Hands-On Sessions: Our expanded selection of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) sessions enable you to follow along with the instructor in a hands-on session. Be sure to stay for our extended double-length sessions on Thursday to take an even deeper dive into tool-based sessions.

These are just a few of the exciting things we have planned for Learning Solutions this year. Be sure to check out all the details on our website, and plan to join us March 27-29 in sunny Orlando!