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2020 Learning System Awards (by Vertical/Industry)

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2020 Learning System Awards (by Vertical/Industry)

Stop the presses! There is a bat on the loose.  Ahh, remember the days when you could attend a movie without ever seeing one commercial ad as though you are watching television?  Which reminds me, I often wonder how many people are even watching live TV (and not recorded) when it is not a sporting event or a commercial-free movie?

Does this have anything to do with these awards? Absolutely not.  Nor does my wonderful video of some Javelinas enjoying my property’s fine abundance of desert plants.

It’s all about good cheer and tidings, and wonderful gifts that I am willing to accept on your behalf.  No need to thank me, it is my way of saying thank you for being a reader of this blog, and get ready, of this post.

And now, it is time for the 2020 Learning System Awards by Verticals/Industries

So most folks – clients will refer to their industry, rather than say, “our vertical is”, but with vendors in the e-learning space, and especially with learning systems, internally they usually refer to it as “vertical”.  This is by far not across the board, and some use both terms.  I often will note it as “vertical”, so just be aware when the awards are announced by “vertical” it is the same as “industry”.

Not every vertical is included in my awards.  There are so many out there, the World Almanac could easily create a chapter on it.

I selected the ones that are quite common in the space, and that vendors tend to point towards, whether they see it as “taking everyone” or focusing specifically on one vertical or what I always recommend – three.

For 2020, the awards will be given to the “Best in Vertical”

  • Association
  • Retail
  • EdTech
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical Care – which is different than healthcare
  • Technology
  • Financial Services
  • Government 

Couple of Points before the winners are announced

  • There was no award submission here for any of these, this is based on my analysis of 1,000 learning systems worldwide (although they are more than 1,300 – but I prefer to use a smaller sample)
  • No money whatsoever exchanged hands – in other words there isn’t a pay for play here or anything else.
  • Many of these vendors are on my Findanlms.com platform – however, not everyone is.  And it had no bearing on whether they were or not.  While we continue to reach out to vendors to be on the platform – we want only the best,  being picky takes a bit longer than opening up the flood gates.  In fact, the best system for medical, for example, is not on the platform.
  • These findings are based on 2020 specifically, starting on January 5th (when I started my 2020) through Dec. 12th 2020, which was when the analysis wrapped up.
  • Feel free to disagree, you won’t hurt my feelings, although I know a couple of Javalinas just waiting to stop by and eat your garbage or anything dropped off at your doorstep.  They seem to enjoy wrapped gifts for some reason.

The Awards

Associations

#1-Learning-Systems_Associations

And the winner is

D2L – Strong system with features across the board, from multi-tenant – which you want in the association market, especially for trade associations, to CEU/CPD tracking and notifications, to metrics that are relevant, to skill development/building – hello professional associations and trade, to outstanding support – trust me, this is huge.  System continues to get better year after year.  The UI needs some tweaks, but this is by far a robust system, that is streamlined enough that you could buy today, be live in say a few weeks, with ease.

Runner-Ups

2. CourseStage by WebCourseworks – Very good system in the association market. Features geared to the space and knowing the space are keys for me, and they both fit here.  A Gold Pick in my book, you can’t go wrong here. If there as a minus, the UX on the admin side needs some improvement, but will work for many folks.

3.  Thought Industries – Ideal system for B2B/B2C which associations can slide under, I had them there, until I went ahead and placed them as a separate category.  That said, when I bought an LMS for the association I worked at, I went with one that played heavily in B2B/B2C.  Thought Industries is my #2 Learning System for 2021.  You can’t go wrong here.  They are someone to watch in the association market in 2021.

I know a lot of folks think association management platforms that offer an LMS are ideal for learning, but I am here to tell you as a former association exec in training, they are not. They are strong it a lot of things, membership for one, and running the association, but learning is never a strong point, nor the focus in terms of R&D.  If you have an association management platform you can integrate into a chunk of learning systems including those above.  Plus many many more.

EdTech

I’d say 99% of folks believe I only focus on the corporate side of the house, but I do look quite a bit on EdTech, mainly because when you track over 1,300 systems worldwide, some of them cover EdTech only. Some Corporate systems play in EdTech and uh, Corporate, and of course, there is just corporate.

EdTech is a bit wonky for a couple of key factors

  • Moodle dominates – from a market share, and user base – it was built first and foremost for Academia, and it is open source, which is free, and so anyone can build a system with it.  But most are not great looking by any stretch, which is why you should go with a commercial Moodle provider to make the UI and UX better.
  • Besides Moodle, there are two commercial vendors that a lot of folks eye – Blackboard and Instructure Canvas.  Many times, they flip – i.e. customers, going from one to another.  Now, this does not mean they are the best, rather it means, that most folks know who they are and assume that being well-known means elite.  It doesn’t.
  • For K-12, many of these systems UI/UX is depressing and very clinical.  An eight year old is not going to see this UI and go, “This looks fun”.  If you are K-6 there are other systems to consider that at least offer a cool UI/UX for kids.  Actually, let me re-state that, K-8 or primary and partially secondary.
  • In K-12 land, Schoology is very well-known, but as of late, not in a good way. There have been issues with some school districts.  I always found it interesting that there were/are school districts that use Schoology as an SIS, and Instructure for the learning.  SIS means Student Information System.  Weird. BTW – to check the status of Schoology and whether it is down or not, go here 
  • On systems going down in K-12, Schoology wasn’t the only one, there were reports of Blackboard crashing and even Instructure.

And the winner is

#1-Learning-Systems_EdTech

Brightspace Core by D2L  – This is for their EdTech version.  Feature sets are rich for those in the K-12 and higher education market, albeit I think it is a bit stronger for higher grades in K-12 and universities and colleges.  See the above in terms of UI/UX which is why I point more for high school (9th-12th grade) and then universities and colleges.

Runner-ups

2. K-6th grade – DB Primary 

A tie at #3 Moodle –  I’d recommend vendors such as Learning Pool or Open LMS if you are going to go commercial system with Moodle.  The price points aren’t high IMO, and I have yet to see a very nice UI/UX with someone building with Moodle themselves.  Plus, when you have support issues who are you going to call? Jen in the computer lab?

And also at #3 Edtek Services

Financial Services

This covers the whole gambit of banking, insurance, and uh, other financial services industries. To reduce the amount of reading here, I am going into some detail on the winner, then just listing the runner ups.

2020_Best-Learning-System_Financial-Services

And the winner is

Access LMS –  Three-Time winner here.  Still the best in the FS market. Content is geared heavily toward the FS space, the system as well. This is not a system for social or some of the latest NexGen feature sets, but if you want compliance powerhouse, regulatory strength, CPD/CEU and capabilities that are essential for the FS market, this is the system for you. UI and UX has improved greatly. Still out of the fence around the whole Access Platform workspace, but that shouldn’t deter you, as it has nothing to do with the system itself.

Runner Ups

2. GyrusAim 

3. Meridian KSI 

Government

A new category for me.  So many vendors play in the Government market it is sometimes a bit overwhelming, because it is a vertical that a lot of vendors want, even with the enormous red-tape, long drawn out close deal times, and expectations of dropping the price to have them.  Moodle plays big in Government too, as an added twist.  Fun fact – Blackboard plays in this segment – betcha you didn’t know that – now you do.

And the winner is

#1-Learning-Systems_Govt

Absorb LMS – UI/UX is top tier in this fully functional system with lots to like.  Big fan of where they are going, NexGen On The Risers Grid, Top 10 Learning System for 2021. Compliance and regulatory is good, Skills development is quite good, multi-tenant is available (a plus for those want say by department or by state or whatever).  Content component has a lot to like.  They have a brand new built-in authoring tool that is very good, for beginners and those experienced.  Yep, we are talking ecosystem here, which is a good thing.

Runner Ups

2. SumTotal Learning Management  – Feature rich system, very strong in compliance and regulatory, knows the space well.

3. Moodle – I won’t bore you with the details, as they were covered up in their in EdTech, but a lot of governments worldwide use Moodle.  You can’t ignore that. Or, I guess you can – you choose!

I’d add that Blackboard was very close here. They do quite well in the Government sector, and I think their system plays well here, because of its design and its approach to government entities.

Healthcare

If you are in the healthcare spectrum, my guess is that many of you have heard of Healthstream, a bloated uber expensive system, who once told me “Why are you so focused on UI?”  – Uh, I don’t know, maybe because something called navigation, ease of use and user experience is quite relevant?  Plus, when was the last time someone used AOL?  I rest my case.

They lure you in with the “content” as an added bonus – it is not free, BTW.  And for the record, if you really want to keep your Healthstream content, they will allow you to move it into another learning system – do they make it a challenge? Absolutely, but it is doable.

Anyway, while they dominate the Healthcare market, specifically because it is their core segment, they are not the best, not even by a long stretch.

And the winner is

#1-Learning-Systems_Healthcare

Cornerstone Learning  – #2 in the NexGen Leader’s Grid and #2 in NexGen Rankings, but I know Healthcare doesn’t always focus on that.  So, let’s focus on a couple of items – they have a dedicated team for this vertical, which isn’t always the case with other systems, the feature sets for compliance and regulatory are outstanding, skills development top tier, CEU/CPD is very good, a well-rounded system, that with their content anywhere, which needs a name change, you get a strong listing of content providers that offer industry specific content plus personal and professional development.  They need to update their admin side, UX can be cumbersome, but that said, metrics and data you need to capture is very good.  A lot of folks knock Cornerstone because they have been around a long time, and I admit I was one of those folks a few years back. But in the last two years, I have seen the awakening of a new approach, and attitude from them, with a strong focus on the NexGen side, which I believe is essential in today’s and tomorrow’s learning environment.  A Top Five Learning System for 2021.

Runner Ups

2.  PeopleFluent Learning – I like where they are going. Very strong in compliance and regulatory, understands the Healthcare space quiet well.  The metrics can be quite robust, especially if you purchase Watershed, the best LRS on the market, and owned by LTG, who also owns Peoplefluent. Why it doesn’t come as a freebie as part of a suite per se, is beyond me.  The same applies to the Gomo, SaaS authoring tool, an add-on, not free, but can fully integrate and yes, even with Instilled, a wonderful LXP that has Watershed built into it.  Could this be made simple by just having these items as packages included at no additional charge when you buy the system? Absolutely and there are vendors who do this (not with the same solutions though).  Anyway, each version of PeopleFluent Learning is better than the last.  CEU/CPD very good.

3. EdCast LXP – A quick preview for my 2021 Top 10 Learning Systems here (which will be covered in more detail, the second week of January) – but EdCast is my #1 Learning System for 2021.   EdCast is truly a learning ecosystem by far, rather than just an LXP, thus content plays a key role here.  They understand quite a few verticals and one is Healthcare.  Mobile app rocks. Skills Powerhouse too, has feature sets that can mimic an LMS for those who are curious.  #1 Learning System for NexGen as well.

Manufacturing

#1-Learning-Systems_Manufacturing

And the winner is

CrossKnowledge Learning Suite – NexGen Leader Grid, Top Five Learning System for 2021. Outstanding system that can do it all, content marketplace is quite good, understands the manufacturing space very well, which again, I believe is crucial.  CK Connect comes with the suite, and it is just one of my favorite new systems to come out in 2020, with lots of potential. Analytics is elite, #2 best I’ve seen in the industry, it is that good.  Feature sets are rich, with strong in compliance/regulatory.  Another ecosystem.

Runner Ups

2. –  Every year I find at least one system, that is super super robust, from this to like that and then the kitchen sink.  Sometimes, they are too unwieldly, which thus backfires in such a way, people should stay clear.  IMC is not such a system.  There is a lot here with this system, and while the UI/UX needs some tweaks, and I think metrics can improve a bit,  this system will not leave you with the “does it have this?” approach.  It does.  Plays very well in manufacturing and worthy of being a runner-up. 

3.  Blue Volt – A stunner in the making. Revamped with a true understanding of the employees on the plant or warehouse floor, an area often overlooked with other systems that seem heavily targeted to the white collar workforce.  Of course you can still go that route with Blue Volt, but to me, they play well in trades and manufacturing.  Lots to enjoy here. A system I am keeping a close eye on in 2021.

Medical Care

To save some time here, I am just going to announce the winner and runner-up without a lot of details.  Otherwise, we might be looking at the Blah Story which ran 7,312 pages long (yes, it is a real novel, and no, I never read it. I did read the Stand though, it was only 1,168 pages).

#1-Learning-Systems_Medical

And the winner is

Relias Learning 

Runner Ups

2. Ethos CE

3. Agylia 

Retail

I slide hospitality under this category as well, and as such, I can see how some folks might say this isn’t ideal for hospitality, and that’s cool.  Retail sometimes goes into the franchise route which goes more into B2B/B2C, so that should be something to be aware of, doesn’t always happen but some retail folks do follow this approach. 

Retail is another vertical that an extensive number of learning systems have as a “target”.  For example, with the FindAnLMS platform, 80 vendors will appear if you select “Retail” in “Industries Type”.  

Some of the same vendors who won or are runner-ups are here again, many many vendors do not just have one or three verticals, they will have dozens 

#1-Learning-Systems_Retail

And the winner is 

SAP Litmos – Top 10 Learning System for 2021, often seen as a top tier system only for technology (and they are #2 for 2020), but retail is one they are not always known for, well now they are.  Feature strong, UI/UX is very good although some folks might say it is streamlined, I am one, who does not.  I’d like to see the analytics improve and stronger metrics (but again, that is just me).  One of the few vendors who has the new video assessment capability which can be tied to coaching/mentoring – it is going to be a hot feature in 2021.  

Runner Ups 

2. Absorb LMS

3.  Fuse – They are about to launch a series of new features that I am a big fan of, and were under my “I wish a vendor would do this” statement I often make.  They are close to an ecosystem IMO, another plus for retail and hospitality.  Best analytics and metrics/reporting in the industry.  Seriously.  Top 10 Learning System for 2021. 

Technology 

The last vertical to be covered, and another one that a lot of vendors play quite well in.  I mean there are so many vendors that easily could be slotted in the top tier, and were under serious consideration. These three though stood out. 

#1-Learning-Systems_Technology

And the winner is

EdCast  – I covered them a bit in the Healthcare side, but this is as I noted in LinkedIn, a Rolls Royce with a Ferrari built into it.  They stand out above everyone else IMO, which is not to say, that the runner ups are not as good, but to me, they are not at “elite level”, they are at very good level.  EdCast is at Elite level.  #1 NexGen Learning System. #1 LXP for 2020. #1 Learning System for 2021. Tied for #1 for Large Enterprise Plus (which I consider 25,000 and higher).   

Runner Ups

2. SAP Litmos 

3. Docebo –  Nearly an ecosystem.  A lot of features and capabilities, ideally suited for retail and hospitality. There are some weak spots though, metrics overall for one, but individually which is seen in each learner’s profile page is nice and relevant.  They have a very good content marketplace, with such providers as GO1 and my top rated one, Open Sesame.  UI/UX is quite good, although the administration side needs a major update.   That said, this is a strong system, Top 10 Learning System for 2021. 

Bottom Line

There you have it, the vertical/industry awards for learning systems in 2020.

Until next time, 

E-Learning 24/7 

How Sabelo applied lessons from online learning to found his own tech company in South Africa

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How Sabelo applied lessons from online learning to found his own tech company in South Africa

Meet Sabelo, the co-founder and CEO of Tuse, a company based in South Africa that offers award-winning artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT solutions. Prior to his success with Tuse, Sabelo spent eight years as a self-taught developer. He eventually determined that he needed additional training if he was to achieve his goal of launching his own startup. Already a committed online learner, he decided to enroll in the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate program on Coursera. Not only did he master essential career skills, but he also built self-confidence. Today, in addition to helping Tuse continue to gain new clients, Sabelo is also working for his community, helping to build a fintech application to support a working population that is struggling with debilitating debt. Below, Sabelo shares his inspiring story.

My name is Sabelo, and I am the co-founder and CEO of Tuse, a full-service IoT company in South Africa that specializes in edge computing, AI, and blockchain solutions. Before co-founding my organization, I was a self-taught developer, relying on MOOCs over the last 8 years to become proficient enough to build the tools I want to use. I decided to pursue a career in AI engineering because I wanted to build an IoT startup. 

What initially appealed to me about the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate was the flexible, self-paced nature of the program. I wanted to partner with IBM and thought it best to pursue a course that makes use of the IBM stack. I would highly recommend the course if you want to build a portfolio of projects that increase your aptitude and confidence in AI engineering.

Another fantastic thing about the entire course was the hands-on labs. During the labs, you get to create a portfolio of projects demonstrating your skills. It can be a very difficult challenge to create a portfolio that truly emulates a real production environment, and this course is essentially the only one that I could find that actually enables you to do that.

Since I completed the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate, Tuse has successfully acquired many more clients—not only as a result of strengthening my credentials and building credibility, but also because I can more effectively articulate the value of our services to prospects. The ability to communicate confidently about our work, an essential skill practiced in the IBM program, has been invaluable.

One of the best rewards that I gained from completing the program was my new-found self-confidence. During the course of the program, you are actually working in a production environment identical to the one you would be using in the actual workplace. The program more than equips you with the practical experience necessary to tackle very intimidating projects and that is so, so rewarding. For example, I was fortunate enough to take part in the National Qualifications Framework in South Africa. The education sector is developing qualifications for data science and the fourth industrial revolution, and because of the qualifications I’ve gotten through Coursera, I was identified and asked to help shape those certifications. This has been an extraordinary opportunity that I would not have had without my experience from the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate.

It’s amazing that I have been able to take the skills I learned during the course of the IBM program and use them to create an application capable of helping many indebted people in South Africa, where a huge percentage of the working population is debilitating debt We are building a fintech application right now to help people sort out their financial goals. When we can find a way to focus on people’s financial well-being and provide the appropriate resources and education, we can contribute to a happier and more stabilized population. To have played even the smallest role in mitigating these challenges is both humbling and empowering, and I look forward to supporting these improvements one step at a time. 

I would absolutely recommend the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate for anyone with an analytical background, analytical curiosities in their professional setting, or students who wish to take their education to the next level. The program is self-paced and offers practical applications that leave you feeling prepared for what can be a demanding path to follow. Throughout the course I also built an amazing community that I hope will remain friends and resources for the rest of my career.

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See how Yvonne became an entrepreneur and found her dream job

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See how Yvonne became an entrepreneur and found her dream job

We’d like to introduce you to Yvonne. Today, she’s a successful entrepreneur and a Motion Planning Operation Specialist. Her journey has been an incredible one, and while she’s always made the most of every opportunity, she’s also faced some daunting challenges along the way. These challenges include undergoing 23 surgeries and a permanent tracheostomy, all while caring for her five children and ensuring they receive college educations. After her children graduated, Yvonne decided to follow her passion for technology into a new career. Her first step was to enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program. She shares her inspiring story below. 

My name is Yvonne Johnson-Webb. I am a Motion Planning Operation Specialist working in the Research Development department of a company in California. I am also an entrepreneur. My son and I started a company called Mild Vision to work with entrepreneurs who need essential tech services ranging from building PC’s and setting up websites to social media marketing. My contracts often required me to enhance my skills and learn new concepts. I continued to study in order to stay informed  of new advances in technology.  My interest in continuously upskilling is what led me to Coursera. I remember signing up for the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and putting all my effort towards completing the classes. My excitement and determination to be a part of the tech industry increased with every completed section! 

My college education was interrupted by significant health issues, so I continued my education online with self-paced courses. My interest has always been Information Technology. I started out building websites and learning to edit templates and backgrounds. My interest then shifted to PC hardware. I started troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing parts in my PC, which even led me to assisting and providing services to others.

Once I found the Google IT Support program, there was no stopping me. I knew that completing my training would allow me the opportunity to start a new career. Upon completion, I obtained a contract position in San Francisco as an Autonomous Vehicle Operator. My troubleshooting skills gained from the program came in handy and allowed  me to advance my position. I moved up to the research and development team and then transferred to the headquarters, where I was able to increase my knowledge of the autonomous vehicle industry. I maintained my contract position for 18 months before being hired as a permanent employee with my current employer. I now have my dream job with a fantastic company!

 “Obtaining the certification changed my life, and now I’m living my dream. I’m excited about my job and the future. I’m part of an industry that is making a difference in the world.”

I learned that in order to compete in the ever-changing world of technology, you must continue to update your knowledge and skills. I am currently enrolled in the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate program. 

In terms of advice, I have always told others that the IT industry needs people. Completing this program can be the beginning of a new life with a new career. Completing this program will give you all the necessary skills required for any entry-level position in IT. Companies aren’t expecting you to know everything. They will train you, if you have the basic skills and are enthusiastic. These basic skills can be  gained from the Google IT Support Program, and the excitement of learning comes from you.

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Introducing: Aashir and Alison’s exciting new Webinar Programme!

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Introducing: Aashir and Alison’s exciting new Webinar Programme!

Earlier this year, Alison established the Webinar Programme as a means of providing more personalised support to our community of Learners. Webinars allow us to answer your questions directly and to provide tailored assistance in order to best aid you in your educational journey. At the moment, webinars are solely concerned with supporting Learners who are upskilling on the Alison Publishing Tool, however there are plans to expand the Programme to include webinars based on other aspects of Alison’s project. Aashir Rayyan Khan, Alison’s Webinars Lead, tells us a bit more about this exciting development.

Aashir, why did Alison set up the Webinar Programme?

Alison’s Webinar Programme was introduced as a way of providing additional support to people who wanted to become Self-Publishers or Alison Contractors using the Alison Publishing Tool. We want to give them the opportunity to connect with an Alison team member directly so they can ask questions and learn one-on-one. If you’re interested, you can register for the webinars here.

What is the Alison Publishing Tool?

The Publishing Tool is our free-to-use web-based tool for creating online courses on Alison.com. You can learn how to self-publish your own courses on Alison by becoming a Qualified Alison Publisher – Level 1. This involves completing two short courses, one of which is the Alison Publishing Tool training course which introduces you to the many features and functionalities of the tool. At Alison, we are experts in the field of online education, and are rigorous in delivering high quality learning materials, so we act as the certificating body and ensure that your courses meet the necessary standards. As part of the process of becoming a Publisher, you will also be assigned an Alison Publishing Mentor, who will guide you through creating your first course.

What are the benefits of self-publishing with Alison?

Alison is one of the world’s largest free learning platforms for education and skills training. We currently have over 2000 free courses, with over 17 million learners and 3 million graduates. Self-publishing on Alison is a great way to share your expertise with the world, upskill your staff or community, or boost your reputation, all while earning an income at the same time.

What are the most important lessons to learn for those interested in using the Alison Publishing Tool? 

It’s important for users to know about e-learning theory and how to create an online course from a learning perspective. It’s also crucial that they know how best to structure their course. All of this information is available in the Publishing Tool course and the e-learning course.

 

What is an Alison Contractor?

Alison Contractors are freelancers that publish courses for third parties on the Alison platform. Contractors must have the Qualified Alison Publisher – Level 3 qualification and have an extensive knowledge of the Publishing Tool. Once qualified, they work on a project-by-project basis, building courses using content provided by either Alison or external publishers. It’s a great opportunity for any Alison Learner.

What format do the webinars take?

Currently, we do a weekly 40 minute webinar – Webinar Wednesdays – alternating the focus between Self-Publishers and Contractors. The webinar is followed by a Q&A section where we deal with our audience members’ queries. 

What effect do you hope the webinars will have on how Learners use the Alison Publishing Tool?

The webinars provide learners with the opportunity to interact one on one with an Alison Trainer and have all their queries about the Publishing Tool answered directly. The hope is that people at various stages of the onboarding process will be able to gain support from the programme and in time continue their learning journey when we roll out our advanced level webinars.

Are there plans to expand the scope of the Webinar Programme in the future?

Yes. There is a growing interest in self-publishing and so we expect that we will need to scale the current programing from one self-publishing webinar a week to maybe 5-6 webinars a day, based on demand. We are also currently working on a number of new webinars, including Introduction to Alison, Advance Contractor Training and Alison for Businesses, which will showcase all of our corporate services such as Group Reporting, API and bulk purchasing. Eventually, we want to be able to expand the webinars to Psychometrics and to every other Alison product. 

Register for a webinar here and start your new career as an Alison Contractor or Self-Publisher!

Fatima Mahmood: “Alison offers quality educational material with very good evaluation criteria.”

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Fatima Mahmood: “Alison offers quality educational material with very good evaluation criteria.”

“My name is Fatima Mahmood. I am from Pakistan. I am working in the Education Department of the Punjab government in Pakistan. I have worked as a headmistress in a government special education school for the last fifteen years.”

How did you learn about Alison?

I received information on Alison via email.

What was your first course on Alison, and why did you choose it?

I started the Teaching Skills Learning Path as it was relevant to my work. In 2016, during my Alison studies, I got a promotion. So my studies have had a positive impact.

What’s your favourite way to relax from studying?

After completing my studies, I like to take some tea and sit and relax for a while.

What’s next for you, in terms of education or work?

I wish to continue to carry out my job in a way that earns me respect and good standing.

What would you say to someone if they asked you about Alison? Would you recommend it and why?

Alison is a very good online education platform. It offers quality educational material with very good evaluation criteria. If you work hard, you can get good results and earn a comprehensive set of certificates. It’s a road to success.

Why you should explain your approach during technical interviews

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Why you should explain your approach during technical interviews

This is a guest post from Daniel Chae, an experienced programmer and data analyst in Los Angeles, CA that is also passionate about helping people learn to code.

Coding can be tough when you’re trying to solve a problem, but you don’t know what you should do to come up with a solution. Things only get worse when you get stuck during a technical interview.

One of the best tips I’ve received for acing interviews is to explain my approach. Interviewers use this practice to test a candidate’s problem solving skills. I’d love to share with you how this tip has helped me with my interviews. I’ll also talk about why explaining your approach is so important for you moving forward. As I do this, I’ll speak about my own interview at Google and a few more personal stories of how this tip has benefited me.

What does “explain your approach” mean?

Explaining your approach involves two things. First, you must identify your core goal. Second, you must generate a step by step process that you can say out loud. You may not end up with the most perfect solution, but that’s okay. The purpose of explaining your approach is to help you get started with solving the problem. Then you can identify the exact steps necessary to build a streamlined solution.

Let’s try this out on a common coding exercise for beginners, Fibonacci’s sequence. The exercise asks you to print out a set of numbers where each number is a sum of all previous numbers. Your core goal would be as follows:

Core Goal: print out a sequence of at least seven numbers where each  number is the sum of all previous numbers. Start with 0 and 1.

The second action involves generating steps the problem requires. Then say the step out loud as you write the corresponding code. You can do this with writing these out, comments in your IDE, or pseudocode. Using Fibonacci’s sequence, here’s a set of steps you might come up with:

Steps required to solve the problem:
1. Create variable, a, to store 0 and variable, b, to store 1
2. Sum ‘a’ and ‘b’
3. Store the sum in variable c
4. Sum ‘a’, ‘b’, and ‘c’
5. Store the sum of ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ in variable, ‘d’
6. Repeat until I could print seven numbers where each number was a sum of all preceding numbers.

If you look at the steps, you’ll notice it’s not the perfect solution. Again, that’s okay. The purpose of explaining your approach is to help you get started. Then you can use the steps you identified to build a more streamlined solution.

How I used “explaining my approach” during my Google interview

After learning how to explain my approach, I ended up landing an interview with Google. The interview was for a software development role with a Legal team. The interview day arrived and I got around to the technical interview. The first question was a whiteboard question. The interviewer told me to imagine a CSV file of jumbled numbers. She then asked me how I would organize the numbers into full 10 digit telephone numbers. The prompt felt vague so I didn’t know how I would go about solving the problem. But then I remembered I could explain my approach as a way to try and find a solution. I thought about the interviewer’s prompt and identified my core problem:

Core Problem: Organize a CSV of jumbled numbers into full, 10 digit telephone numbers.

Then I broke the problem into several steps. Here were my steps for solving the problem:

1. Access CSV file
2. Print out all numbers in the CSV
3. Create a new CSV file where I could store the full, 10 digit telephone numbers
4. Print seven numbers at a time
5. For each set of seven numbers, write the full, 10 digit telephone number to new CSV file

I finished writing my steps on the whiteboard and started writing the code for each step. I verbalized each step as I wrote the code for each corresponding step. After five minutes of doing this, I finished my solution. The interviewer took some time to review my work, which made me a bit nervous. After five minutes had passed, she let me know my solution wasn’t perfect. But she clarified that me explaining my approach made up for not having a perfect solution. She told me she was more interested in my thought process rather than my solution. Google ended up offering the role to someone who had several more years of experience. But they said I did well in the technical interview, even though I didn’t come up with the perfect solution.

How explaining your approach will help you through interviews

Explaining your approach will assist you in two significant ways. The first way is that you’ll have a solid strategy for generating a solution. You’ll have an increased clarity for accomplishing the task at hand. If nothing else, you’ll have a better chance at solving the problem.

Answering a technical interview question can be tough. Technical questions are tough especially if you haven’t practiced the problem beforehand. I practiced solving several questions before my Google interview. But I didn’t practice any questions with a CSV file. That said, explaining my approach helped me ace the interview. I was able to nail down the core problem I needed to solve and set the foundation for formulating an approach.

The second way is that you’ll give your interviewer a clear view of how you’re approaching a problem. Google interviewers aren’t the only ones who value the thought process. Interviewers across most companies want to see how you will tackle a problem. A solution isn’t worth much if you’re not able to explain how you got there.

I wasn’t excited to hear from the Google interviewer that my solution wasn’t as good as it could have been. But I was more happy than I was sad to know that I performed well on the interview despite not having a perfect answer. I went on to interview at two more companies after Google. Each respective interviewer was like the Google interviewer. They each told me they wanted to see my thought process, even at the expense of a perfect solution.

Now you can ace interviews and land a job

Explaining my approach has become one of my favorite problem solving tactics. It’s one of my go-to strategies for getting through interviews. It has helped me solve countless whiteboard problems and land several job offers.

As you go through interviews, I encourage you to explain your approach to the interviewer. Tell them about what you think the core problem is and the steps you think you need to take to arrive at a solution. Who knows, this approach could be what lands you your next job!

Color Love | Black & Gold

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Color Love | Black & Gold

As Christmas fast approaches, I’ve been searching for fun gift wrapping ideas and came across these glamorously wrapped black & gold packages. Aren’t they fancy? Nothing states “glam” better than a ritzy gold paired with a jet black. This gold & black color palette can induce feelings of happiness and bliss. It can also exude quality and authority when used in blog designs.

Black & Gold Color Palette

Below I have created for you a simple mood board featuring today’s color combination. It is in perfect Pinterest format, so feel free to pin it for later.

Gold & Black Color Palette

See our collection of other gorgeous color palettes by visiting our color palette section.

What do you think about our gold & black color palette? Do you like this combination? Where would you use it? We would love to hear your thoughts, so make sure to share them in the comments below.

Lastly, learn about the power of color in blog design in our blog post to see how important colors are in all the projects you create.

Check out this stunning black & gold Blogger template, which can be found in our Blogger Templates shop.

Lucy, Gold & Black Blogger Template

There is simply no shortage of blog design possibilities when it comes to bringing this pretty color palette to life.

Word + Quiz: seersucker

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Word + Quiz: seersucker

: a light puckered fabric (usually striped)

_________

The word seersucker has appeared in eight articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on June 25 in “Kentucky Derby to Allow Spectators in September” by Gillian R. Brassil:

The Kentucky Derby — known for its atmosphere as much as its thoroughbred racing — is keeping its fans this year for betting, mint juleps, and to see and be seen with elaborate millinery and seersucker suits.

There will be fewer spectators and new health precautions because of the coronavirus outbreak, but fans will indeed be on hand Sept. 5, race organizers said Thursday, to see if Tiz the Law can win the second leg of this year’s untraditional Triple Crown.

_________

Five Minutes of Beethoven

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Five Minutes of Beethoven

Beethoven was born 250 years ago this month and The Times is celebrating. In “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Beethoven,” Times music editors and other experts invite you to “listen to the best of the stormy, tender work of the composer who changed music.”

We’re embedding one piano sonata above, but you can find many more selections in the article. Choose one, and as you listen write down what thoughts, images, emotions or ideas the music inspires for you. Then, tell us about your experience in the comments.

About Picture Prompts

• Find all our Picture Prompts in this column.
• Have an idea for a Picture Prompt? Tell us about it.
• Teachers, discover more ways to teach with our Picture Prompts and learn how to use our free daily writing prompts for remote learning.

Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Lesson of the Day: ‘Cleveland’s Baseball Team Will Drop Its Indians Team Name’

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Lesson of the Day: ‘Cleveland’s Baseball Team Will Drop Its Indians Team Name’

5. What is your reaction to the suggestions for a new team name mentioned in the article? What ideas do you have about how the team should approach its renaming?

6. What can you add to the final column in your K/W/L chart? You might also have additional questions or reflection ideas that you can make note of on your chart and include in the Going Further activity below.

This year, we asked students if they thought it was offensive for sports teams and fans to use Native American names, imagery and gestures. Here is what some of them said in the comments:

Comment #1

Being Native myself I get to see how things like this affect the Native part of my family and friends, and sometimes me, although I don’t face a lot of these things firsthand because I’m a kid in a newer generation, and I don’t have necessarily “dark” skin, nor fit into many of the stereotypes. I do see how every single insensitive action, like just the naming of a sports team, affects my community. My mother works with the Native community as part of her job, but not just locally — she works with Native communities throughout the country, and even the rest of the world — and rarely comes home and tells me about how happy a tribe is about the way they are portrayed in mainstream culture.

— Allukoy from Eugene, Ore.

Comment #2

I do not believe that it is offensive. Although many may not know the history, the fact is that these teams are representing history. People today keep trying to erase history because everything is “offensive.” That is the problem, that people need to feel what they want to and if you do not agree it turns into hate or racist motives. If the Chiefs’ fans are offended by their use of the tomahawk, then I want the New York Giants to change because I am very tall and it’s offensive to use the name Giants. That is exactly my point. People are too sensitive and take offense when it is not derogatory in any way.

— Katie from MHSN

Comment #3

@Katie What you said about being tall and wanting the Giants to change their name is a completely different point. People have not been attacked for hundreds of years because their height is above average. You haven’t had to live in poverty or worry about your life because of your height. People don’t need to “toughen up” because their ancestors have had to live through terrible conditions. They’ve already been tough. They’ve developed the thick skin you so desperately want them to have, so now they have the absolute right to be upset about the same people who look down on them because of their race and make light of their traditions. They regard them as less than human for generations, then use their life to get publicity. It’s not that hard not to be racist. It IS hard being degraded so that a sports team can make more money. They’re not trying to erase history, they’re trying to have a better future.

— Ezabelle from Eugene, Ore.

Now, write about one or more of the following questions, or engage with the questions below by using a graffiti board. Consider the above student comments in your own responses. If you’re participating in a graffiti board activity, take time to notice what your peers write and respond to their comments, ideas and questions.

  • Do you think it is offensive for sports teams and their fans to use Native American names, imagery and gestures? Do you agree with any of the perspectives shared by the students above in response to that question?

  • What is your reaction to the decision that the Cleveland team made? Do you support its decision? Why or why not?

  • How do you think teams should approach changing their names or other imagery associated with them? Who should be part of those conversations?

  • What do you think the Cleveland team should do next? Is renaming the team enough, or should it formally apologize? Should the team further involve local Native American tribes?

  • The featured article notes that other professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Blackhawks, have said they do not intend to change their names. Do you think those teams have a right to keep their names? Or do you think they, too, should make changes?

If you are participating in the graffiti board activity, debrief your experience in a class discussion: What common themes do you notice among the comments and questions? What are the areas of disagreement? How does reading your classmates’ comments influence how you think or feel about this topic?

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