In this issue:
1. Getting started with Web-Based Training
2. Shoe Makers Children Sharpen the Ax
3. Where did those numbers come from?
4. Calling all Instructional Designers
5. Readers provide answers: Should users be given hardcopy documentation with online courses?
1. Getting Started with Web-Based Training
Though many companies have been developing their first or even second round of Web-Based Training (WBT) courses, many more are still trying to make the decision how or even if they should move to the online world. Current industry statistics show about 15% of current courses taken online (this percentage varies depending upon audience and topic -- the technical topics -- certification, programming, etc. tend to be much higher -- "soft skills" topics much lower) - which means there is a whole lot of training that has the potential to move to the web. Studies also show the number of courses taken online jumping to 40% in the next few years.
How do you know when to make that move? What topics lend themselves to the online world? What audiences learn best from this media? What tools and technologies are needed? How does design for WBT differ from Instructor-led Training (ILT). If you are struggling with these questions, you are not alone. And don't despair if you think you are behind the curve. The online learning and WBT arena is still in its infancy. That is the good news... BUT (and there always is a but) changes are happening every nanosecond and technologies are being created to address many of today's limitations.
Cindy Staley of Micron Communications knows about the challenges of developing training on the web. She has been creating WBT for the past few years. What is really impressive is she has been doing it alone. She is one of those online learning pioneers who has been going the solo route - no large teams, no complex authoring tools or programs, no huge budget. She has just been creating online learning that is used by students all over the world.
You can hear about Cindy's experience developing WBT as a one-woman shop in her session at the Training IT Management Conference next month. She will also be conducting a half-day workshop called " An Introduction to Creating Web-based Training". To learn more about the workshop and conference go to www.influent.com/ctw.
2. Shoe Makers Children Sharpen the Ax
One of the habits in the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" talks about "sharpening the ax". In other words, you can only cut wood for so long before the ax gets so dull that you can't cut wood. This principle also holds true for your professional development. Trainers are notorious for arranging training and development opportunities for everyone in the world but themselves. (Like the shoemaker's children who were barefoot because he had no time to make shoes for them.)
So, the question you need to be asking your self is "Am I a dull ax running around without shoes?" or "When was the last time I took time for my OWN professional development?". For too many of us the answer is, "Too long."
I "sharpen my ax" in a number of ways... reading books and magazines, belonging to professional organizations, talking with experts, and, of course, attending conferences. So I would like to encourage you all to think about your professional development. There are many opportunities out there. Let me know if you need some suggestions... and please feel free to write to me to share your ideas with other readers of your favorite ways to stay sharp.
3. Where did those numbers come from?
In the last issue, I cited some statistics about American education graduation rates and I received a lot of requests for the source of those numbers. I heard the information in a presentation given by Lester Thurow who is professor of management and economics at MIT. These and other studies are listed in his new book, The New Rules for Individuals, Companies and Nations.
4. Calling all Instructional Designers
Influent Technology Group will be producing an event for instructional designers this fall called the New Media Instructional Design Symposium. The event will be held on November 7-10 in Washington, DC. It is the only event exclusively for Instructional Designers and their management. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to speak at this unique event, please send an email to hfisk@influent.com. If you are interested in attending, check out the Influent web site at http://www.influent.com.
5. Readers provide answers: Should users be given hardcopy documentation with online courses?
Well, a lot of your responded to Cindy Pruitt's question about the proper use of documentation or job aids with online learning. "I am interested in finding out how others in the online training field are dealing with continued requests for paper documentation... essentially everything we create is online... 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. "
Here a few of the answers:
"I have found that people want to have something tangible with them in addition to the training. The solution's we offer is telling people that they can print the info out at their expense if they like. Obviously, we have many classes that involve text books, and in this instance we provide the material to the trainees, but if it is a Power Point presentation, or other media we are starting to use, we will only pass out note paper, and tell people to print at their convenience."
-- John Schell Card One Online
"One perception is the need for information "when I need it." not when I can get on line to get it. At our university the net is fast, but at home I continually curse the cursor waiting. Out "on line" people are seeing the need and we are preparing CDs for several fall classes. Any information that exists when a student signs up, will be prepublished with "on line" links. Assignments, syllabi, documents, homework assignments, links, wav and avi files, quizzes and pertinent phone numbers will be on the CD. If the student needs paper, he or she can print it. Seems to answer some of the questions."-- Dr. Larry C. Bobbert, Division of Media Resources, Eastern Kentucky University
"Yes, I am struggling with the same concept. Most, if not all people want a paper "backup" Ours also stems from having to view multiple documents at once. We usually relent and provide documentation on paper but prior to that we ensure the simple issues are addressed. Can the receiver perform the task on the computer? Can the required information be accessed? Is the desired result not being achieved based upon a limitation not associated with the task at hand? (i.e. a 15" monitor, low resolution, etc."
-- Scott Loose
"... I've been developing and delivering instructor-led training for the past five years and recently helped move my organization into the realm of online training and support. I think the need for paper-based materials is partially due to pre-conditioning in terms of what we expect when we walk into a classroom, but I think the other part of the equation has to do with how you package and present the online materials.
As a learner, I look to my paper or online guides when I need specific information. Most of the time, it's in the context of how to carry out a task on one of the many different systems I use for my job. For any document to be truly useful to me, I have to be able to 1) quickly find what I need and 2) easily reference it as I carry out my task on the system. It's obviously extremely easy to find things in online documentation if you have the right search capability. Where I think we often fall short is making the document something that a learner can easily reference. I have found that breaking information into the following components makes it easier to reference..."
-- Catherine Scannell, Clarkston Potomac
There were many more responses, that I can not list due to space. BUT we are in the process of building an archive web site that will list the complete responses from the people listed above and the others who submitted responses. This resource site will also list the links, documents, white papers, articles and other recourses that readers have recommended. The resource site will be up shortly at http://www.influent.com
Note: The responses from last issue's question (How do I move from classroom to online instructor?) will be posted in the next issue of the CTW Update. When you respond to a question, please include your name, company at the bottom of your response.
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.
