In this issue:
1. Can you really do evaluations online?
2. Geek Girl - are you one?
3. Share your great work - WBT Producer Conference Call for Proposals
4. A reader asks
5. Upcoming events
1. Can you really do evaluations online in real-time?
Developing evaluation processes or systems is an ongoing challenge for all trainers and training programs. It is often time-consuming and laborious and at times, the results are questionable. In the constantly and rapidly changing environment of Web-based training and online learning, this challenge and these problems are even greater. How can you create effective evaluation systems using Web technology?
Sam Shmikler of The Periscope Organization has been deeply involved for years in identifying ways to accurately evaluate student performance using technology. Most recently, he has been developing and using methods to evaluate students through online and Web-based media. I asked Sam to share some of his insights with you today...
"When we are living and learning on 'Internet Time' we are often forgetting one of the essentials for continuous improvement -- the feedback that comes from evaluation. The world of e-learning requires us to rethink some of our notions about evaluation and how we measure learning gains and performance.
In the 'pre-online world,' we had a clear distinction between the 'formative' and 'summative' stages of evaluation -- today with daily updates of Web sites, participatory forums and communities of practice we are building as we are delivering and designing while the learners are learning. This added complexity is NOT a reason to forego measurement, but an invitation to be creative and use the very technologies we use to deliver programs to support evaluation.
Here are some ideas:
- Create a climate of continuous dialogue with your learners on the use of support and the application of job skills
- Use internal systems counters, cookies, CGI scripts and the capabilities of DHTML to imbed evaluation into your programs. Move away as rapidly as you can from evaluation that is human labor dependent.
- Smash the synchronous, hierarchical mindset of learning and evaluation and replace it with a new model that recognizes that much of online learning is non-hierarchical, not instructor centric, organic, just-in-time and not very predictable."
Sam will be conducting a full day workshop, Virtual Evaluations for Real Savings, at the New Media Instructional Design Symposium. He will be exploring the models, techniques, tools and benefits that come from redefining evaluation for e-learning.For more information about this workshop visit http://www.influent.com/nmid99/.Sam can be reached at sam@periscope-org.com
2. Geek Girl - are you one?
Those of us in the training profession are often called upon to act as mentors and career guides to others. If you are a woman in the technology field, finding a mentor may be more of a challenge. Why? Because there are, according to a recent government study, fewer women in technology roles of all kinds -- and this is true of the IT training profession, too. (The number has been dropping for the last few years after reaching a high around 1995.) So where do you go to find mentors, to network with other women in the field and to tap into resources? The site http://www.girlgeeks.com/index.html has some great resources for the "geek girls" -- women involved in the technology field.
This site is also of interest for the male readers of Influential Trends. From a pure trainerstandpoint, it has some very interesting examples of using technology to build communities, distribute information to a diverse and dispersed audience, helping readers tap into training resources (via their Training Zone page), and other useful features. The site also is quite involved inweb-casts, live chats and interviews with prominent women in the industry and other creative uses of Web technologies.
And for those of you who are wondering, you can take a short quiz to determine where you measureon the "geek girl" scale!
If you have a training-related Web-site or resource that you think the readers of Trends would find interesting, please send those sites to hfisk@influent.com and they will be posted in future issues.
3. Share your great work - WBT Producer Conference Call for Proposals.
Are you involved in creating, building or managing online learning or Web-based training? If you are, why not share your great ideas and works with others at the WBT Producer Conference & Expo. The call for presentations is now open. This event is geared toward the entire team who are responsible for building and implementing WBT. The event will be held in San Diego, CA on April 26-28, 2000. Please send an email to hfisk@influent.com if you would like to receive information on how to submit your proposal. You can find out more about this event by visiting the conference Web site at http://www.influent.com/wbt2000/.
4. A Reader Asks
We have TWO questions this week from our loyal readers... Can you help?
Dan Deschaine, Technology Trainer,AgStar Farm Credit Services, ACA Mankato, Minnesota problem is:
In trying to maintain and upgrade technology skills throughout our organization, two challenges stand out: keeping up with the training users really need and measuring the effectiveness of that training. Once users get beyond the basics of computer usage, their needs begin to diversify, creating ever-increasing demands for customized, individualized, intermediate-to-advanced training. I'm sure I'm not alone in facing these challenges. My questions: What tips do you have and what ideas have your readers used to address the issues of supplying the appropriate training to ensure the workforce continues to improve its technical skills and how can that training be measured for its effectiveness?
The second question comes from Tamara Sheppard of Intermec Technologies Corporation who asked the following:
Do you know of a source for job descriptions in the Web-based training arena - like Instructional Designers - New Media?
Please send your responses to hfisk@influent.com.
We will share the responses in a future issue of Trends.
Thanks!
5. Upcoming events
Here are some upcoming events that are of interest:
Conferences and Symposia
New Media Instructional Design Symposium
November 8-11, 1999
Washington, DC.
A unique event for those involved in the design and development of instruction/training using media/technology. This highly-focused, intense event is renowned for its high quality, in-depth sessions, provocative keynote presentations, and excellent networking opportunities. For more information, go to http://www.influent.com/nmid99/.
Computer Training World- Europe
February 1-2, 2000
London, England
Submissions for presentations are being accepted. For more information contact Heidi Fisk at hfisk@influent.com
Seminars:
** SOLD OUT!! **
Needs Assessment -- Instructor: Dr. Allison Rossett
October 27-28, 1999
San Francisco, CA
In this two-day seminar, you will review performance analysis and focus on needs assessment. You will determine what kinds of information to gather to prepare for a program that will be delivered to groups, to independent learners and via technology. You'll discover how and when to use interviews, surveys and observations to increase the likelihood that your recommendations will turn into action and business results. For more information, visit the seminar Web site at: http://www.influent.com/seminars/needs.htm. The October sessions are currently SOLD OUT! Please contact the customer service department at (508) 651-9531 to be added to the waiting list. Because of its tremendouspopularity, we are planning to add another session in December. Please stay tuned for details.
One Stop Documentation -- Instructor: Dr. Conrad Gottfredson
Nov. 11-12, 1999
Washington, DC
Are you looking to create single source print and online documentation that people will choose? Trying to develop a single manual for training and ongoing performance support? Want to maximize user independence and reduce support costs? At One-Stop Documentation, you will learn a comprehensive model for developing online or paper-based documentation that users will find easy to use because the information is mapped in a consistent manner. For complete program information, visit: http://www.influent.com/seminars/onestop.htm
Wanted! Your ideas and issues and questions..
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 e-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 e-newsletter are encouraged to send in questions, ideas, resource links or articles to hfisk@influent.com
That's all for now,
Heidi Fisk
