In this issue:
1. CEO's list top issues for technology training
2. ERP Training - End users: they are not just learners anymore!
3. Change in date for MShow presentation on "Creating and Maintaining a Virtual Campus"
4. Question from a reader - Do online learners need support documentation?
5. Wanted! Your ideas and issues
1. CEO's list top issues for Technology Training
I just got back from the Strategies for Success North America Conference (SFS) in San Antonio. SFS is produced by the Information Technology Training Association (ITTA). ITTA is the only international association for computer and technology training professionals. SFS is their event for the commercial members. (The upcoming Computer Training World Conference & Expo (CTW) is the event ITTA is co-producing for the corporate, government, and educational audience and is open to ITTA members and non-members.)
SFS is a great event -- a venue where key industry members from commercial computer training companies come together to discuss the critical issues concerning our industry and to learn from each other. Over the next few issues of the CTW Update I am going to recap some of the many interesting discussions, sessions and announcements presented at this conference. Many of these topics are also being addressed from the corporate training veiwpoint at CTW in July in Orlando.
One of the featured sessions was a panel comprised of CEO's from key companies. These people identified the following key trends for the coming 12-18 months:
- Think globally --the Internet is driving everyone to consider issues and learners around the world -- not just in our own back yard.
- The shortage of ILT instructors -- in the US and worldwide -- is increasing. This is especially true for web-related topics or online coaches.
- Collaboration -- especially online collaboration -- is the next big wave to hit training.
- There is an increasing market/demand for training -- which means lots of opportunity and change for us.
- But we need to tie the training to the customer's needs and not just train to what the training group thinks they need.
- The training providers need to help clients strategically about training. You need to make sure training ties to the company's core business initiatives.
- Training departments should try to implement a "subscription model" for charging for training -- whether that training is provided by internal or external training departments. Bundle your training with the Total Costs of Operation (TCO) for the equipment and software.
- Three things that will most impact training delivery: Hardware, Bandwidth, and Portals
These topics and more will be addressed at the upcoming Training IT Management Conference. Check out www.influent.com for information about specific sessions or workshops. If you have any comments about the above listed trends, please send those to hfisk@influent.com.
2. End users: They're not just learners anymore!
The traditional role of end user as the learner-waiting-to-be-taught is certainly not the case with ERP implementations. Instead, many of the end users are being pulled into ERP project teams from the very startup. They are being asked to take on roles and responsibilities that can range from subject matter experts (SME's) to actually providing the training and support of their colleagues when the new business systems and processes are rolled out.
In order for these new roles to work, the ERP training team oftentimes is asked to provide the appropriate training, orientation, and even supervision of these business users. New skills, such as presentation and support skills, must be learned. Teamwork and communications skills are critical for everyone involved.
You can learn a variety of approaches that have been used by organizations at the ERP Systems Training Conference. (see www.influent.com for more information) Review actual case studies presented by organizations and implementation partners on programs and approaches that have met with success. 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.
The following are only some of the sessions that will address the critical roles of end users in ERP training:
- The Key to Change Management Success: Engage the Right People
- Using Subject Matter Experts (SME's) as ERP Trainers
- SME Training: It's Not an Oxymoron!
- The Power User-The Super Hero of Support
3. Change in date for MShow presentation on "Creating and Maintaining a Virtual Campus"
In our last issue we told you about a great opportunity to try out a low-cost method of online learning -- the ITTA Breakout session on "Creating and Maintaining a Virtual Campus." This online presentation will be hosted by Bob Mosher of ITTA, and presented by Mary Kay Giunta, VP IT Education at NationsBank. This session was originally scheduled for Thursday, May 13th but has been rescheduled for May 20th. Both Bob and Mary Kay will be presenting at the upcoming Computer Trainers' Summer Camp this July in Orlando. (see end of this newsletter for information on this conference.) Contact Melody Dimas at ITTA (mdimas@itta.org) if you're interested in the online presentation, or if you need more information regarding MShow in general!!
4. Question from a reader - Do online learners need support documentation?
CTW Update reader, Cindy Pruitt posed the following problem: "I am interested in finding out how others in the online training field are dealing with continued requests for paper documentation. My client is a fortune 50 company and they are committed to delivering courses, performance support, and technical documentation via the intranet. We have made great strides since we first created our web site 3 years ago. Now, essentially everything we create is online. Solutions range from Powerpoint slides to embedded performance support -- yet ultimately, the field trainers ask for paper documentation to accompany the course materials. Lately, there has been much discussion about this phenomenon amongst our group. I've research various sites and publication but I am not finding much information dealing with this topic. Could you address this issue in your next "issue." I would appreciate learning about any resources that deal with this topic. Personally, I think much of this stems from what Maslow refers to as "safety needs." I think trainers and learners feel the need for paper much like a child needs a stuffed toy -- it makes them feel safe. Learners and trainers come into a training situation with a lot of 'baggage' that is preprogrammed -- it seems to me that we need to revise the 'programming.' I'm curious to know what others think about this."
Do you have any comments or suggestions that you would like to share with Cindy and the other readers of the CTW Update? Please send those ideas to me at hfisk@influent.com. In our next issue I will publish those suggestions. I have also asked Conrad Gottfredson, internationally known expert in the fields of documentation and training and featured faculty member of the upcoming Computer Training World Conferences & Expo, to offer his insights for the next CTW Update issue.
5. 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:
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do"
- Eleanor Roosevelt
