We are big fans of online tools here at OpenSesame. Websites and apps help us connect with others, keep up with current events, learn new skills, as well as can inspire us to think big. Online tools enable and empower us in ways never imagined, and thousands are being created every day. Last year we covered the top 100 tools for learning in 2013 to help you achieve your goals. This year, we’ve expanded on that list to include 100 new tools that have made us more effective, made a splash or made us think. As there are few repeats, we encourage you to take advantage of ALL the tools we’ve mentioned in your personal and professional pursuits for 2014. ... [more]

If you’re not currently employed, however, or your industry experiences a sudden shift, access to continued training and education can be difficult. On the employer side, many small to medium-sized businesses simply can’t afford to provide relevant training resources their employees. Fortunately, the federal government and many states have recognized the value of on-the-job and continued education to keep American companies competitive. The federal government has allocated funds to each state earmarked for workforce development and training, which has resulted in a number of grant and incentive programs available to businesses looking to offer ongoing training. ... [more]

Last year, we asked many thought leaders from the elearning industry to share with us their hopes for the coming year. Our Learning Resolutions for 2013 series included the likes of Elliott Masie, Judy Unrein, Bruce Graham and more. This year, we’ve expanded the series to our partners and sellers, asking them to share their reflections from this past year and their insights for 2014. ... [more]

Thought Bubble

The lack of clarity around whether a California Sriracha plant will be shut down is prompting many Sriracha lovers to stock up. With jars beginning to disappear from local stores, you may be contemplating how to make your own Sriracha at home and avoid the issue all together. Anything, however, that could drive a town to sue simply because of a smell should be handled with caution. Therefore, if you are planning to make your own Sriracha, we've got some safety tips from the restaurant industry to help you avoid having to shut down your kitchen. ... [more]

Sriracha bottles

Microsoft’s controversial employee-ranking program meet its end this week as the company strives to build a more collaborative culture. While this internal move won’t directly impact consumers, the shift illustrates a larger change in corporate culture and the elearning industry towards a more personalized approach. ... [more]

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending Elliott Masie’s Learning 2013 conference in Orlando, Florida. Like a child waiting for Santa, I had been eagerly anticipating this trip for months. The Masie Center has a reputation for quality events with a a bit of a dramatic flair, and Learning 2013 did not disappoint. ... [more]

George Takei book signing

Happy Halloween OpenSesame followers! As you prepare for the parade of adorable, and occasionally spooky, trick-or-treaters this evening, we here at OpenSesame have a treat to offer of our own. ... [more]

Group Halloween costume

The classic image of a smiling flight attendant demonstrating how to buckle your seat belt just got a major overhaul. Virgin America has redefined the flight safety video by intermixing contortionists, child rappers and dance numbers with announcements about exits and oxygen masks. Virgin America isn’t the only company seeking to better engage viewers through innovative approaches to training. Many sellers on OpenSesame use pop culture references, satire or even cartoons to relay valuable information. ... [more]

We’ve been busy here at OpenSesame over the last few weeks completing our redesign of the user dashboard. Our goal for these improvements is to provide more of the data you need in a simple, straightforward interface. The updated look includes more tabs to track budgets, usage, returns and more. Ready to jump in? Join me on a tour of the new buyer dashboard and its key features. ... [more]

With the rapid expansion of the online training industry, it seems like there is a new LMS or content provider announced every day. Many seek to fill a perceived content gap in the market—offering only tech courses or focusing on the healthcare sector—but few seek to address additional customer pain points. A recent survey by Latitude learning discovered a lack of content options isn’t the only pain point for elearning buyers. ... [more]

Stressed Employee

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