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WAVELENGTH -- The ID Newsletter of India -- November 2005
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Hello Friends,

Welcome to this issue of Wavelength, the monthly eNewsletter
for the Instructional Design and Content Development
community of India.

I hope that all Wavelength readers enjoyed a happy, bright,
and safe Diwali and would like to wish you all a happy and
successful new year. This edition of Wavelength attempts to
brighten your new year by bringing a very important but
seldom discussed content development issue to the centerstage.
The Mystery of the Month article for November
"Subject Matter...Expertise?" discusses the expertise issue
through the complete course development life cycle and tries
to trace its roots. It also lists some tips for the selection
as well as management of this important entity.

Wavelength also takes forward the Technology section with
some important and interesting links, that I am confident our
programmer friends will find useful. I would like to
reiterate that the links featuring in the Technology
section, are equally useful to instructional designers and
eLearning project managers.

The serial "Different Dimensions of Accessibility," ends with
this issue. I hope it achieved its objective of creating an
understanding of this concept. In this issue, there are some
extremely useful links that will help you differentiate
between section 504, section 508, and ADA standards. The
serial that begins next month, will be of interest to all
those who prefer numbers to language, and logic to art.

Wavelength surges forward with two inspired course groups
(IDCWC Course Group IV and ASDC Course Group I,) who began
classes on October 23, 2005. The next FREE IDO workshop will
be held on November 16, 2005. Those who wish to attend the
workshop can register at:
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/idorworkshop5.htm

The next course groups of Instructional Design and Content
Writing Certificate (IDCWC) course and ActionScript Developer
Certificate (ASDC) course will begin classes on
November 27, 2005. Click on the following links to view
details of these courses:
1. http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/idcwc_details.htm
(for the IDCWC course.)
2. http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/actionscript_certificate.htm
(for the ASDC course.)

I now leave this issue of Wavelength in your mailbox, with a
hope that it will fulfill its objective of binding us all
together in our causes, our heartaches, and our joys.

Thanks and Warm Regards,
Shafali R. Anand

(Editor & Publisher, Wavelength)

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Table of contents
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From the Editor's Desk
Mystery of the Month
Serials::Different Dimensions of Accessibility::Episode III
Resources
Technology
Site of the Month
Readers' Views
Surge Ahead
Laugh-a-little
Signing Off...

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NEW!
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1. Classes for the next Flash ActionScript Developer
Certificate (ASDC) course group begin on November 27, 2005.
Registrations are open for this group. Click on
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/actionscript_certificate.htm
2. Wavelength's next course group for the
Instructional Design & Content Writing Certificate (IDCWC)
course begins on November 27, 2005. Registrations are now
open for this course group. Click on
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/idcwc_details.htm
3. 5th FREE Instructional Design Orientation workshop (IDO_5)
will be held on November 16, 2005. This workshop suits
Instructional Designers & technical writers with 0 to 2 years
of experience in writing, training, and other related areas.
Please read the details of this workshop at
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/idorworkshop5.htm

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From the Editor's Desk
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http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/editorial.htm

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Mystery of the Month
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This month, we will try to find the true identity of the mystery
person called SME. We begin at the beginning and try to find out
why, in most projects, Subject Matter Expertise remains elusive.
We also try to list a few guidelines that can help us select and
manage the "mystery person." If you've been through such
experiences, if you've ever worked with "SMAs" instead of SMEs,
then give yourself a pat at your back for surviving the
experience by reading: http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/sma.htm

***************************************************************
Serials :: Different Dimensions of Accessibility :: Episode III
***************************************************************

Welcome to the final episode of "Different Dimensions of
Accessibility." I hope this serial has found its mark by
creating an awareness of this concept. In this episode we
conclude our discussion by summarizing our understanding of
accessibility and how it is applied. In harmony with Gagne's
ninth event, this issue brings you some URLs to
"enhance retention and learning."

The following links will emphasize some of the important
concepts that we came across in this serial. Becoming aware, as
Benjamin Bloom has told us, is the first step in the process of
learning. Through this serial, it's only the "Knowledge" level
that I've hoped to reach, rest I leave to the need of your job.

1. Click on http://www.umuc.edu/ade/li/index.html for clearly
classified information on accessibility. This page begins
with a short quiz, which will give you some idea of how well
accessibility is implemented in the US universities. The site
then provides links to Section 504, 508, and ADA guidelines
and details. Do bookmark this site if you are working with
accessibility.

2. With the ever-increasing use of Internet to provide education,
more and more qualified students are joining the online
courses. This trend makes it imperative for course developers
to become aware of different kinds of disabilities that should
be accommodated. To find out more about the different
types of disabilities and the corresponding assistive
technologies, click on http://www.umuc.edu/ade/ud/index.html

3. I also recommend that you check out the three sample sites
(before and after) by clicking on
http://www.umuc.edu/ade/bp/index.html

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Resources
**********

-------------------------
Resources :: Writing Style
-------------------------
1. Here's an extremely useful link for all those who wish to write
better. It begins by defining "style," talks about appropriate
tone, then moves on to wordiness, verbs, and
"ostentatious erudition" (Yes, that is what they call it!)
Click on http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/style.html to
understand and appreciate your reviewer.

2. The scope of Instructional Design is still very nebulous.
Especially in India, where some clients expect you to be a
melange of instructional designer, SME, technical writer, and
editor...all rolled into one. This particular link may provide
armor to those bravehearts who are planning to don this prickly
mantle! Check out the Proof Reading Process section of the page
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/style.html

------------------------------
Resources :: Language & Culture
------------------------------

1. http://www.scottlondon.com/reviews/bruner.html is a link worth
clicking on, although it will take you, not to an article, but
to a book review. Scott London's review of "THE CULTURE OF
EDUCATION By Jerome Bruner," will bring into focus, a lot of our
own blurred thoughts.
Quoting from the quoted material (!)
"...It concentrates on how individuals construct "realities"
based on common cultural narratives and symbols, and how reality
is "intersubjective" -- cultivated through social interaction
-- rather than "external" or "objective."
How I wish I knew the nuances of punctuation! Nevertheless, I
present this link to you with a hope that you will look beyond
the untidy maze of repeated inverted commas and understand the
point, which is that the human mind holds the key to every mystery!

2. Have you ever wondered how Socrates, even after so many
centuries, is considered an educational genius? If you have
then you must've researched enough to discover that the method
of imparting learning employed by Socrates, has remained the
undisputed leader in cognitive learning even today. If you still
thirst to learn more about the exact manner in which Socrates
implemented his instructional strategy, click on
http://www.wvu.edu/~lawfac/jelkins/pmpl99/teachvirtue/socrates.html
to travel to Athens of the past.

3. If you are interested in finding out what caused the death of
Socrates, an educator still revered, click on
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/socrates/socratesaccount.html.

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Resources :: ID Concepts
-----------------------

1. How often have you reflected upon the differences between
Instructional Design and Instructional System Design? Is ADDIE
an ID model or an ISD model? Why is it that the line between the
two is so blurred that we usually miss it? Click on
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/s/j/sjm256/portfolio/kbase/
IDD/ISDModels.html#kemp.
It will help you refresh your understanding of ADDIE,
Dick & Carey, and Kemp Models. I recommend that you read the
article without worrying about the diagram; you'll find it less
intimidating!

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Technology Section
*********************

--------------------------------------------------------------
Resources :: Learning Content Creation Technologies
--------------------------------------------------------------
1.Click on http://www.irrodl.org/content/v3.2/soc-hes.html to read
an article that tries to simplify the concept of learning object.
This concept continues to flummox even those who have been in the
industry for quite some time, so I assume that a simple
explanation such as the one provided in this article will
definitely be useful to those who are new to the industry.

2.The recent launch of Flash8 has resulted in a flurry of research
activity among Flash designers and developers; all wanting to
find out what the treasure chest contains. Click on
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/flashpro/productinfo/features/
to view a beautifully crafted Flash presentation that takes you
through all the new features that Flash 8 proudly sports, starting
from the introduction of filters to advanced video functionality.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Resources :: Learning Content Management Technologies
--------------------------------------------------------------

1.Whether you work within the eLearning industry or without, as a
web-programmer you may need to deliver the complete web-enabled
package to your client. Web optimization of content is one of the
tricky issues that web-programmers have to face. Worry not, for
Google has decided to give you all the answers. Obviously the
answers are not direct, but if you read between the lines of the
patent they filed recently, you will find what you need to know.
Darren Yates helps you figure it all out in his article "Great
Site Ranking in Google The Secret's Out," which is available by
clicking on: http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-10-2005-71368.asp

2.Do you know how a Learning Management System (LMS) is different
from a Learning Content Management System? If you don't, then the
article "LMS and LCMS: What's the Difference?" by Leonard
Greenberg, promises that you are not alone. What is more important
however, is the fact that this article does tell you about the
differences. Not only that, it also explains how LMSs may be
integrated with LCMSs. I strongly recommend that you click on
http://www.learningcircuits.org/2002/dec2002/greenberg.htm to read
this simple and effective article.

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Site of the Month
******************

Site of the Month for November...hic!
for November...hic!
is...www.samadams...hic....com!
yes! www....samadams.com! You got it...didn't you?

Splash!!! Splutter...splutter! Thanks for that. I am quite sober now.
I need to be sober if I have to tell you about this marvelous, heady,
"spirit"ed site. If you want to know what is so heady about this
site, read on...

1. Click on the above URL...oh! Sorry! You can't click on it...here's
the clickable link: http://www.samadams.com. So click on the link
to arrive at a "NO ENTRY for those below 21" screen. Insert your
d.o.b in the text box given to enter the site.

2. Once you've "confirmed" your year of birth (they do take their
responsibility seriously,) the site will load. Before you begin
your exploration, I want to tell you that browsing this site is
like going on a treasure hunt. My ID brethren, keep your eyes
open for the "words of wisdom."

3. This is probably one of the very few times when I've seen blue
and brown come together in such perfect harmony. Despite nature's
inspiration, few of us dare to play with these colors. Samuel Adams'
designers did...and just look at the result!

4. Move your mouse around, check out the small wooden board (The World
of Beer) in the center panel. Click on Go to reach the menu for
this section. Alternatively, check out the lower row of buttons
first. These buttons will take you to some html pages that are
artistically created to gel with the site. I am sure you'll love
these pages too!

5. When you click on "The World of Beer," you will reach the menu of
this section. What I really like about this menu is the way it
loads. I think it's just right for their target audience, who like
the classy feel but don't like to wait eternally.

6. Now move your mouse over the menu to watch the tiny pop-up window
scroll in sideways. Isn't it fantastic? Keep rolling your mouse
over the different buttons. The tiny pop-up window follows you
everywhere! A little detail that will enchant the graphic designers
is probably the overlap of the icon on the window, with the
menu bar.

7. Move your mouse over any of the four frames in the central panel.
Check out the innovative rollover effect.

8. I don't want to spoil your treasure hunt, so I'll accompany you to
only three sub menus, and leave the rest for you to enjoy alone.
Click on "History of Sam" button. The panel on which the text is
placed looks truly historical, but what captured my attention was
the SCROLL scroller. Don't forget to scroll while you are here.

9. Now click on the "Beer Styles" button (wait to see the rollover
effect before you click). Read the "words of wisdom" while the
file loads. Now focus your attention on the bottles in the center.
When you move your mouse on any of the five bottles, the bottle
comes in the center...more action follows!

10.If you are wondering when I am going to leave...well, right after
this click. Click on "Beer Encyclopedia" to check out one of the
most fantastic menus you may have ever seen. Check out the star
formation, and the smooth animation that takes place when you
select an option. You've got to see it to believe it.

I think I should leave now, or I'll have to dedicate the November
issue of Wavelength to http://www.samadams.com.
WARNING: Don't drive after browsing this site. I've heard that
drinking beer in small measures doesn't make you drunk, but if you
stay here long enough...who knows?!

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Readers' Views
*****************

Click on http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/views.htm to read what
readers feel about Wavelength.

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Surge Ahead
************

Two long-lasting (remember the Amaron Battery ad) Project Leads, in
a coffee machine conversation:

"Hey, did you apply for the eLearning Project Manager job I told
you about?"

"No."

"No?"

"I applied for another one and was selected on the spot."

"Oho! A nice, cushy job, I guess."

"Yes! Easier, comfortable, and definitely less risky than an
eLearning project manager's job."

"What is it that they've hired you to do?"

"Oh, I just need to take seven sharks for a swim three times a
day, and brush their teeth every night."

"Do they have another vacancy?"

If your conversation with your close friend has begun to sound
like the one above, read on...

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Instructional Design/Project Management Jobs:
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Delhi(NCR)
------------

NIIT Ltd.
Instructional Designers (>= 2 years). (Also at Mumbai)
http://www.niit.com/Admin/ASP/Aboutus.asp?Section=Global&L1=
Employment&L2=Current%20Positions

Senior Project Managers (with 4 to 5 years in the elearning industry)
http://www.niit.com/Admin/ASP/Aboutus.asp?Section=Global&L1=
Employment&L2=Current%20Positions

--------
Mumbai
--------

LionBridge
Technical Writer (Exp: Not specifically mentioned)
http://www.lionbridge.com/company/careers/empdisplay.asp?intJobID
=283&intLangID=1

Instructional Designer (Exp: Not specifically mentioned)
http://www.lionbridge.com/company/careers/empdisplay.asp?
intJobID =281&intLangID=1

------
Pune
------

Maximize Learning
Content Writers/Instructional Designers (1 to 2 years)
http://www.maximizelearning.com/pop_up_id.htm

Learning Producers & Senior Leads in ID/Media Design/
Programming (2 to 5 years)
http://www.maximizelearning.com/pop_up_learnPro.htm

Delivery Head (8+ years)
http://www.maximizelearning.com/pop_up_DelHead.htm

BrainVisa
Project Manager (3 to 7 years)
http://www.brainvisa.com/opening3.html

Content Writer / Content Developer (1 to 3 years) (also at Delhi)
http://www.brainvisa.com/opening4.html

Instrucitonal Designer / Project Lead (also at Delhi)
http://www.brainvisa.com/opening5.html

-----------
Bangalore
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Edutech Dimensions Pvt Ltd
Instructional Designer / Content Writer (Exp: 2+)
http://jobsearch.monsterindia.com/getjob.asp?JobID=35696757&
AVSDM=2005%2D10%2D24+02%3A17%3A36&Logo=1&
co=xedplinx&ah

Mentorware
ID Head(8+yrs)
http://www.mentorware.com/careers/careers_india_sub.html#idh

Instructional Designer (2 to 4 years)
http://www.mentorware.com/careers/careers_india_sub.html#id

Project Managers(eLearning) (3 to 4 years)
http://www.mentorware.com/careers/careers_india_sub.html#pm

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Hyderabad
------------

Total University
Training Designer (Exp: Bachelor + 2 yrs Exp.)
http://www.sumtotalsystems.com/company/careers/jobs_india.html

----------
Chennai
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LionBridge
Project Director/Sr. Project Manager/Project Manager (5+years)
http://www.lionbridge.com/company/careers/empdisplay.asp?
intJobID=278&intLangID=1

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Technology/Programming Jobs:
*****************************

------
Pune
------

Sellcraft Softech.
Multimedia Programmer (Exp: 4+ years)
http://www.sellcraft.net/joblist.php

Maximize Learning
Multimedia Programmers (Exp: Not specified)
http://www.maximizelearning.com/pop_up_prog.htm

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Bangalore
------------

Mentorware
Software Engineer (2+ years)
http://www.mentorware.com/careers/careers_india_sub.html#se

Multimedia Engineer (2+ years)
http://www.mentorware.com/careers/careers_india_sub.html#me

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Freelance Assignments
**********************

1.Raffles Solutions is currently looking for freelance
Instructional Designers. Details are as follows:

Duration: Three months (Maximum)
Requirement: Must have at least 3 to 4 years of experience
in Instructional design.
Purpose: To work on a business strategy related courseware
(course duration approx. 5.5 hours)
Contact: Jovis Tan at jovis@raffles-solutions.com

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Laugh-a-little
***************

Do you expect me to laugh? Are you crazy? I've meetings
planned for the whole day. At 10 AM, I am meeting two vendors,
who were untraceable for a fortnight; then I have to meet three
possible SMEs; next I have the monthly review meeting with my
boss; in the afternoon... ... ...
Do you seriously expect me to laugh?

This is precisely why you need a laugh, and I knew about your
meetings so I brought along just two little links...check them
out please. I would like to see you laugh.

Did you know Nostradamus was a technical writer? Neither did
I, until I read this highly interesting, extremely readable,
and completely non-technical article by Geoff Hart at:
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/magazine/humor/nostradamus.html
I believe you Mr. Hart.

I can see you walking the tight rope between being sensible
and being correct, wondering how much to
1. capitalize,
2. punctuate,
3. list,
4. and abbreviate,
so that your writing reads just the way the client dreamed
it would! Though the publishers of this site have categorized
this article as humor, for us this article at
http://www.plainlanguage.gov/examples/humor/technologywriters.cfm
is serious reading.

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Signing Off...
**************

I hope you enjoyed this issue of Wavelength.

Let us promise to meet again, next month, about the same
time, and the same place...your mailbox!

Goodbye!

Wavelength shall be back next month, with more information,
news, humor, and enthusiasm.

See you then!

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Feedback: Send your views on Wavelength at
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/fsg/formfeedback.htm

Suggest Links or site for "Site of the Month": Publish an article
in Wavelength or suggest links -- Check out
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/contribute.htm

Subscribe/Gift Subscription/Unsubscribe -- Click on
http://www.vibrantwavelength.com/subscribe.htm.
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