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Tangents with TorranceLearning Podcast

In today's episode, our hosts Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild welcome special guest Susanne Ambros. Susanne, who is an expert in agile methodologies and learning coaching, shares her passion for fostering a people-centric agile culture that values individuals over processes. Together, they explore how agile principles can revolutionize corporate learning by centering on learner-driven goals and self-organization, and discuss how incorporating agile methodologies and personalized learning sprints can enhance both professional growth and company culture.  

Key Points  

  • Agile Principles in Learning 
  • Concept of Agile Learning 
  • Learning Coaching Support 
  • Mindset-Oriented Techniques 
  • Learning Sprints and Goals 
  • Learner-Centric Learning in the Workplace 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans. 

In today's podcast, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of Lean Coffee and its applications in group discussions. From setting agendas to time boxing conversations, they explore how this structured, yet flexible approach can lead to efficient and meaningful discussions. But wait, what about "Learn Coffee"? Discover how the hosts brainstorm the concept of "Learn Coffee" as a way to enhance learning through insight capture and discussion.  

Key Points 

  • Introduction to Lean Coffee 
  • Implementing Lean Coffee in Meetings 
  • Challenges and Considerations in Using Lean Coffee 
  • Evolution of Lean Coffee into Learn Coffee 
  • Discoveries and Insights from Research 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans. 

In this episode, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the world of artificial intelligence in Learning and Development. They discuss the prevalence of AI in various industries, its potential impact on L&D, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for professionals. From the evolution of AI tools to the ethical considerations of AI use, Meg and Megan explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in training and development.  

Key Points 

  • Evolution of AI as a tool in the learning space 
  • The various ways in which AI is being used in L&D 
  • Opportunities and challenges for professionals in L&D 
  • Ethical considerations and supports for using AI in L&D 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans. 

In this episode, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance propose one aspect that might be one of the biggest risks L&D professionals face when building and managing learning ecosystems. They explore the evolving landscape of learning tools, the challenges of creating a cohesive learning ecosystem, and the risks posed by the constant pursuit of shiny new tools. (who, us?!?!) Megan shares insights from the February 2024 ATD TechKnowledge conference and they discuss the importance of strategic planning in building an effective learning ecosystem. 

Key Points 

  • Risks in Learning Ecosystems 
  • Budgets and Strategic Value 
  • Platform Salad – salad good, platform salad bad 
  • Utilization of Tools and Lack of Strategy 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans. 

In this episode, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild discuss the importance of data visualization for learning and development. The hosts touch on key figures in the data visualization arena like Edward Tufte and Stephen Few, offering insights into their contributions and resources. They discuss practical tips for creating effective data visualizations, such as avoiding 3D charts and letting the data speak for itself. The conversation also explores the vital role of data visualization in storytelling and communication, as well as the ethical responsibility that comes with representing data accurately. 

Key Points: 

  • Definition and relevance of data visualization for L&D professionals 
  • Tips for creating effective and accurate data visualizations 
  • Additional resources for learning more about data visualization 

Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans. 

In this episode, Megan Torrance and Meg Fairchild talk about the evolving use of artificial intelligence (AI) within organizations. They discuss the integration of AI in workplaces, the pace at which AI is being adopted, and the various approaches organizations are taking towards its use. Megan introduces W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I., a framework designed to navigate AI usage ethically and effectively. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration into the use of AI in learning and development, presenting both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for professionals in the field. 

Key Points: 

  • Insights on how AI is increasingly finding space in organizational strategies. 
  • Uncertainty in AI strategies within many organizations and how this affects application and innovation. 
  • The six parts of the W.I.S.E. A.T. A.I. framework. 
  • Responsibility of using AI without causing harm, ensuring transparency, and maintaining accountability for the outcomes derived from AI tools. 

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Show Credits: 

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance 

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile 

Music: Original music by Dean Castile 

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode, co-hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance talk about the complexities of learning ecosystems. They share their differing perspectives on the topic and discuss the wide array of elements that make up a learning ecosystem, from technology and social aspects to organizational processes and policies. They also highlight the value that comes from of understanding the current state of a learning ecosystem and discuss a recent project where they uncovered insights about the breadth and depth of learning ecosystems. The episode wraps up with a quick comparison of learning ecosystems to natural ecosystems.

Key points:

  • Learning ecosystems are more than just systems and technology
  • Why you might want to map the current state of a learning ecosystem
  • Learning ecosystem maps can go beyond what the learner directly accesses
  • Involve many stakeholders and people with diverse perspectives
  • Knowing how everything is connected can help you make more informed decisions

Show Credits:

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producers: Meg Fairchild and Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

Learning Ecosystem Framework

The Modern Learning Ecosystem | LearnGeek

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance delve into the unexpected world of creating AI boyfriends. Megan Torrance shares her experience of organizing a hackathon to create an AI boyfriend at the ATD TechKnowledge event in Los Angeles and the surprising outcomes that ensued.

Topics Discussed:

  • The origin of the AI boyfriend hackathon
  • The different AI solutions created by the teams
  • The practical value of creating personalized AI agents
  • Megan's personal experiences with AI-assisted coaching
  • The potential applications of sophisticated AI partners in learning and development
  • The humorous and unexpected moments from the hackathon

Show Credits:

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producer: Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

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AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.

We started a podcast!

In this episode of Tangents with TorranceLearning, hosts Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance discuss Megan's recent experience at the TechKnowledge conference. They delve into the unique format of the conference, the sessions Megan presented, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in the learning and development space.

Key points from the episode include:

  • Megan shares insights into the TechKnowledge conference, highlighting its tech-forward nature, smaller scale compared to other conferences, and the experimental formats employed by the ATD. She also details her presentations at TechKnowledge, including talks on xAPI for data and analytics and the role of artificial intelligence in the learning data ecosystem.
  • The hosts discuss the increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence in the learning and development space, with Megan shedding light on the relevance and resonance of AI frameworks in their work. They also touch upon the challenges of keeping up with the rapid advancements in AI tools and technologies.
  • Megan shares her experience with an impactful keynote address at TK, delivered by Mick Ebling from Not Impossible Labs. The discussion centers on Ebling's inspiring stories of problem-solving and the compelling message of "commit, then figure it out."

Show Credits:

Hosts: Meg Fairchild and Megan Torrance

Producer: Dean Castile

Music: Original music by Dean Castile

AI Transparency Statement: AI was used to generate the first draft of the transcript and the show notes for this episode. It was then edited by real humans.