One of the interesting developments of web technology has been the increasing focus on individual, personal choices. Don’t like what’s on TV? Choose something for yourself to watch on YouTube. Nothing of interest in the newspaper? Use Google to find a blog that covers the issues you’re into. And so on.

They say time flies and that's certainly the case here at Learning Pool as we gear up to celebrate our fourth birthday. Plans are in motion for our party in September onboard the HMS President, London and we would love it if you could join us for the festivities!

It’s often said that nothing in life is free. But many new technologies are available at little or no cost for organisations to use which if used correctly can produce great benefits. Rob Whiteman, new MD of the IDeA, was one of the first speakers at Learning Pool’s recent Public Sector Learning Conference and called for organisations to be more innovative in how they respond to increasing funding cuts.

One of my lasting memories of the Public Sector Learning Conference will be the sheer look of surprise and delight when I gave out a left-handed version of my little joke book to someone left-handed! They mentioned that they had never had a specially prepared handout for them in all the years of attending events. And to be honest it was not something I can take credit for – my Spanish printer had asked me if I would like to include some when I placed my order (something I have never come across in the UK).

When I talk about designing e-learning which I do a lot in my role as content development manager at Learning Pool I often feel I’m a little obsessed with case studies but according to Clive Shepherd that’s no bad thing. Clive spoke at our the Public Sector Learning Conference 2010 and asked the question “Enjoyable e-learning - is it an oxymoron?”.

Elated by another successful Public Sector Learning Conference, members of #teamlovely embarked on their journeys homeward to various locations throughout the Europe including Ireland, Spain and various UK cities. Kenny reflects on his time spent as part of the team what tips and tricks the team could use again.

On my merry little way back home from the Public Sector Learning Conference, I was amazed to be stopped on the Gatwick Express by Nick Jones of Central Office of Information who’d been following the conference on Twitter. Good job I hadn’t changed out of my lovely Learning Pool t-shirt or I wouldn’t have had such a pleasant journey chatting about all kinds of interesting technology and learning stuff. Thanks Nick!

So, George Osbourne has come out with the ways in which our coalition government intends to start saving some money - £6.2 billion to be precise. This is going to have a considerable impact on local government budgets, possibly more than most would have expected. £782 million will be cut from the Department for Communities and Local Government alone - the second highest-hit department in government.