In this issue:
1. End-User Training a Big Factor in Successful ERP Implementations
2. ITTA Conducting Industry Benchmarking Survey
3. Looking for a Few Good Case Studies...
4. Readers provide answers: How do I move from classroom to on-line instructor?
1. End-User Training a Big Factor in Successful ERP Implementations
Here are some chilling facts about ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementations:
- 28% of organizations have a problem with software functionality
- 29% have difficulty prioritizing their resources when implementing an Enterprise Application
Which means that a big chunk of the huge sums spent on ERP systems is getting the royal flush. And the training YOU provide could be a significant factor in the solution to lowering these numbers. Determining what contributes to or complicates the success of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) applications can be an elusive task. Another challenge is identifying the success factors for an ERP upgrade and its training strategies. You can learn the top reasons organizations do not achieve the financial benefits from their ERP application and how well-planned end-user training for these systems can positively impact not only initial rollouts but the inevitable upgrades from someone who has been in-depth experience with these issues.
Ron Poliseno, Senior Director of New Business Development, Pathlore Software, provided the statistics listed above and he will be sharing practical solutions at his session, "Upgrades, Saving Money, Minimizing Headaches" which will be held at The ERP Systems Training Conference. For more information about the only event for those involved in ERP end-user training, go to http://www.influent.com/ctw/erp/index.htm.
2. ITTA Conducting Industry Benchmarking Survey
If you have ever wanted you wanted to know how your training department budget-salaries-practices compare to others in you industry/region/size, then you could soon have access to a great that will provide you the data and the answers. The Corporate Benchmarking Survey, sponsored by the Information Technology Training Association (ITTA) includes over 50 questions with this type of information. Though other groups have done surveys on training in general, this is the first and most comprehensive survey to specifically target technology training in corporations.
ITTA will be announcing the results of this survey at the upcoming Computer Training World Conferences & Expo (July 12-15, Orlando Florida. See http://www.influent.com/ctw). A report will also be written based on the data collected in this survey. This report will be FREE to those who contribute to
the survey. The report will be for sale to everyone else. It will take about 30 minutes to complete the survey and you need to have it filled out by June 26th. You can access the survey at: http://surveys.inquisite.com/autohosting/ITTA_Corporate_Benchmark_Survey
3. New Media Instructional Design Symposium -- Looking for a few good Case Studies...
The New Media Instructional Design Symposium (NMID) NMID will be held November 8-11 in Washington DC. It is the only event exclusively for Instructional Designers and their management. If you have recently designed a program and would like to talk about your approach, challenges, and triumphs, then you should share your "case study" with others by submitting a proposal to speak. Send an email to hfisk@influent.com. Those wishing to attend can check out the Influent web site at http://www.influent.com -- complete event details will be posted late next month.
4. Readers provide answers:
CTW Update reader, Aih Mei posed the following question: "My company is looking at using some of the new web-based, synchronous technologies from Centra, Placeware, Mshow, etc. What skills do I need to make the transition from classroom instructor to on-line coach?"
Here are just two of the many responses...
Bob Mosher, author and well-known training expert, replies: "Two of the most important skills needed to make the jump to on-line instruction are good 'listening' skills and proactive engagement techniques. 'Listening' takes on a whole new meaning when you don't have eye contact, body language, or even the student's voice at the other end of the question. Instructors also have to be more aware of promoting engagement. It's easy for the dialogue to become very one sided when the instruction moves on-line. Trainers need to be proactive about planning their interaction."
Corrie Bergeron, Learning Ventures advises: "Aih Mei raises an important point. More and more 'live' trainers are being required to move online.
It's a challenge to communicate via text when you're used to the give-and-take of a live classroom. I'd offer two bits of advice: One, have a good command of written English and PROOFREAD your responses to learners. A typo or grammar error sends the message, 'I don't really care enough about you to take the time to make sure I'm communicating clearly.' The second is ..acknowledge (the learners) notes and postings as quickly as possible."
You can hear many more details, tips and techniques on how to make the transition to on-line coach at the Computer Trainers' Summer Camp. Bob Mosher will be hosting this event and conducting a number of sessions on how to become the "next generation" computer trainer. For complete conference details go to: http://www.influent.com/ctw/sc/index.htm
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 week:
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it."
-- Henry Ford
