Welcome to the Computer Training World Update. This newsletter will help you keep informed of issues and trends in the technology training industry. The newsletter will address key areas such as:
- Management issues and concerns for technology training
- Training for desktop systems
- Training for IT staff and support staff
- Enterprise-wide Resource Planning (ERP) End User Training (training for Peoplesoft, BAAN, SAP, etc.)
- How to be a better Computer Trainer
- How to become an online trainer or coach
- Other issues surrounding the computer training industry.
In this issue:
1. Learn about Virtual Universities online.
2. Study shows increasing and continuous need for ERP end user training
3. Wanted! Your ideas and issues
1. Learn about Virtual Universities online.
One of the most talked about training trends in organizations these days is the creation of a "Virtual University." Virtual Universities use Intranet and Internet solutions to provide training to dispersed workforces using various types of media-based technology training.
On May 13th at 4:00 PM EDT, you can hear how NationsBank developed and is using their Virtual University. You will also get a chance to see one form of technology-delivered training because the presentation will use an Internet-based technology, MSHOW. MSHOW combines audio conferencing with Internet-based interactive broadcasting. It delivers a live, interactive, one-to-many or many-to-many presentation that combines the Internet, presentation software, and audio communications. Anyone with a PC, browser, and a separate phone line can participate in a live interactive broadcast from any desktop, anywhere in the world.
The session, "Creating and Maintaining a Virtual University," will be presented by Mary Kay Guinta, VP of IT Education at NationsBank. This presentation is one of a series industry updates given by The Information Technology Training Association (ITTA). Registration is $75 per connection. To register, send an email to mdimas@itta.org.
Mary Kay Guinta will also be a featured speaker at the upcoming Computer Trainers' Summer Camp which will be held on July 12-15, 1999 in Orlando. For more information about this event, see www.influent.com.
2. Study shows increasing and continuous need for ERP end user training
A recent study of experienced SAP users listed several key observations that would seem to apply to all ERP implementation efforts. The study was conducted AMR Research, a Boston-based company that specializes in enterprise applications and related trends and technologies. One of their key findings focuses on the observation that ERP implementations are never done, despite senior management's expectations.
AMR strongly recommends communication to executive management about the ongoing nature of an ERP investment, making it clear that implementing an ERP system is a never-ending process. They encourage organizations to build and maintain a five-year plan for their implementation, enhancement, and support, focusing not only on the ongoing costs but the added value of new releases, new products and use of additional functionality. This reinforces the need to sustain some type of project team to not only support the completed project but to tackle the backlog of work still waiting for attention.
This observation has a major impact on those individuals responsible for the ERP end user training. There will be a continual need to train new employees on ERP systems. Current employees who are assigned additional responsibilities will need training on the new functionality added to their job descriptions. New functionality is added and business processes are changed and adjusted, all of which impacts the existing training, documentation, and online support systems. And, of course, there are the upgrades that require major changes to everything that has already been developed to support the end users.
You can learn methods for dealing with these challenges at The ERP Systems Training Conference that will be held in Orlando this summer. (see www.influent.com for more information) Whether you are just beginning your ERP implementation or are preparing for a new wave of end users, this conference is the only one targeted on the end-user training for ERP systems.
3. Wanted! Your ideas and issues
Do you have a question about your technology training challenges? In need of a resource or idea to solve a specific computer training problem? Looking to connect with others in the IT Training industry? This newsletter is meant to be a resource for you to find the answers you need to help you survive and thrive in our industry. Readers of this newsletter are encouraged to send in questions, ideas, resource links or articles to hfisk@influent.com.
Quote of the day:
"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."
Benjamin Franklin
