In this issue:
1. Distancing Learning
2. Funding the Future: Wiring Workers in Massachusetts
3. Spring Break Activity: Performance Consulting
4. S-P-R-I-N-G B-R-E-A-K Contest!
5. A Reader Asks
6. Call for Proposals for CTW
7. Upcoming Events
1. Distancing Learning
Distance Learning enables learning across time and space: it is a great approach for any and all who want to continue learning outside the brick and mortar of traditional classroom settings. But how can we be sure that the courses we are taking are on par with those of the traditional classroom settings?
There is a new Congressional Commission on Web-based Education which met recently. Its chairman is Senator Bob Kerrey, a Democrat from Nebraska, http://www.senate.gov/~kerrey/news/press/webcomm.html. At issue was the regulation of distance learning programs to ensure quality of new education techniques. Senator Kerrey indicated that the commission would probably not recommend new laws; rather, look into other ways of encouraging providers to offer high-quality distance learning programs, as reported in the Chronicle of Higher Education (http://www.chronicle.edu subscription required).
Stay tuned for the next Influential Trends which will continue the discussion on governmental activity impacting us as we present Wayne Hodgins special report on Adult Learning.
2. Funding the Future: Wiring Workers in Massachusetts
A recent Boston Globe newspaper article told of Governor Paul Celluccis announcement of $3.2 million in grants for employers for work force training. The source of the grant money is from Massachusetts $1 billion unemployment trust fund. The money, targeted to 6,000 workers, will be used to train employees in information technology, Web site strategy, etc. This program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training.
3. Spring Break Activity: Performance Consulting
Editors Note: Spring Break only comes once a year, and its about time! The winter has been harsh with snow, ice, rain, and storms. Arent you ready to break out the Bermuda shorts and flip flops, offering your wintered skin to the sun while rejuvenating yourself as a technology trainer? Appearing here, right up to Spring Break, will be contributions by faculty of the Computer Trainers Spring Break Conference. You know there is so much more you need to learn, why not do it during Spring Break?
Performance Consulting by Joe Wynne
As a trainer, you are always asked to reinvent yourself. To ensure success at your trade, it is imperative to have two critical skills: analysis and solution selection. Analysis is the skill you use to determine where performance gaps are and what corporate initiatives are underway. Solution selection is the process of choosing the proper integrated solution to address performance gaps and support corporate initiatives.
Using analytical skills will enable you to uncover where performance is lacking. After your analysis, you will determine the causes of those gaps. As a properly skilled trainer, you will be able to isolate causes not only from the training and development system, but also from the rewards and recognition program, coaching, feedback and supervisory activities, input/resources, processes and procedures, etc. Many times training is NOT the answer.
When training IS the answer to a performance gap, you will call into action the skill of solution selection. This is selecting the proper integrated solution to address the performance gap. Today, you have the myriad of possibilities: traditional classroom training, CD-ROMs, satellite, intranet, outsourced web training, procedural development, and modification to HRD systems. Choosing the correct combination of interventions requires you to also conduct specialized financial analyses.
Luckily, the fast-developing body of knowledge known as performance consulting is where you can draw to expand your capabilities. As a performance consultant, you will have the ability to be a key corporate resource for improving productivity and the bottom line. Learn more about your evolving role as Performance Management Consultant by attending Joe Wynnes session 102, "Performance Consulting" at the Computer Trainers Spring Break, http://www.influent.com/ctsb.
4. S-P-R-I-N-G B-R-E-A-K Contest!
In honor of Spring Break, Influential Trends is conducting a contest for the funniest training story. Send in your funny training stories to rsmith@influent.com. After all stories are collected and judged, the winner, along with the story, will be announced in Influential Trends just in time for Spring Break!
5. A Reader Asks
Diane Fasching asks: "Does anyone know of CBTs or any other tools that would facilitate our construction managers learning basic safety commands in Spanish to communicate with construction site workers?"
Please send in your suggestions to Diane by responding to rsmith@influent.com with Reader Asks in the subject line.
6. Call for Proposals for CTW
It's that time of year again. Computer Training World 2000 (CTW) will be held August 21-23 in San Francisco. If you are interested in presenting, please send an email to Heidi Fisk at mailto:hfisk@influent.com.
7. Upcoming Events
Here are some upcoming events that are of benefit to the industry:
Computer Trainers Spring Break
March 15-17,2000
Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA
Break out of the doldrums of winter and break into a new perspective on your career as a technology trainer at the only event focused on your issues and needs. This limited attendance symposium is designed for both the novice and the experienced trainer. Learn the basics of great training and discover how to be the trainer for the new millennium. Visit http://www.influent.com/ctsb for more information.
WBT Producer Conference & Expo
WBT Executive Summit
ACE User Conference
April 26-28, 2000
San Diego, California, USA
WBT Producer is targeted towards those who develop, design, or create online learning and Web-based training (WBT). The WBT Executive Summit is for Training Directors, managers, and other executives who are responsible for the strategic implementation of online learning/Web-based training. ACE is the Allen Communication user conference. You can find out more about these events by visiting: http://www.influent.com/wbt2000.
