IMVU

My friend Genevieve, who's also doing an Instructional Tech grad program, introduced me to IMVU (3-D online immersive chat.) I explored it with the intention of figuring out its capabilities for the academic environment. I believe it has great potential as a tool, particularly as a replacement for traditional chat where used in online/distance learning. The customization capabilities and dynamic and immersive nature, as well as the ease-of-use and full-screen capabilities, make this a medium which seems much more likely to keep the attention of online learners, and keep them more engaged in synchronous discussions, than traditional chat in online portals.

Thoughts on Project Management

Last week we had an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guest speaker on the topic of Project Management. I wasn't surprised to learn that project management in the realm of instructional design isn't particularly different from project management in any other realms. Project management is a major component of my job as a consultant. I've been contemplating getting certified in project management through PMI (here's the link if anyone else wants to check it out: http://www.pmi.org/CareerDevelopment/Pages/Our-Credentials.aspx). It takes a daunting number of documented hours to get their PMP, or Project Management Professional, certification, but getting their "Certified Associate in Project Management" credential looks easier for someone like me who currently has a major project management component to my job, but would have a hard time proving the vast number of hours of experience required to become a full PMP. I wonder whether any of the ITEC classes are accepted by PMI as coursework towards their certification? I'll have to look into that.

A Flickr Five-Frame Story...

... entitled, "Each of these Characters Had Something to Tell Me"