My team delivers product training for our company's Mainframe Transaction processing platform.
Unlike most GUI environments, the system provides very few visual clues to an operator about what actions they should take, therefore, the training needs to be very directive.
One training solution we are considering is a CBT package which emulates the live environment, whilst giving direction and exercises to the learner.
There seems to be divided opinion within the team about the effectiveness of such packages over more traditional stand up delivery.
What experiences - good, or bad - have you had setting up such a programme? What sort of things can we include to cater for a wider range of learning styles? (the last thing I would like to create is an electronic page-turning package).
Any help will be gratefully received.
Ian Tovell
2 Responses
E-learning for bespoke IT packages works!
Hi Ian
I strongly advocate the use of e-learning for bespoke IT packages. It is particularly useful for situations such as yours, where you have a system which people may not get to grips with immediately following training. They will benefit from being able to access the training on a Just In Time basis, when they are unsure how to perform a required action on the system.
Providing the training on e-learning will also ensure it is available to all new employees as soon as they start, rather than having to wait for the next available training course.
Another ‘hook’ that I used to persuade the value of the system to our directors was that the package ultimately cost less than £5 per employee.
We used e2train.com to design an e-learning package to support our bespoke HRIS rollout. They set out the learning environment in the same style as the live system – this means that users access the training on the part of the system they require by choosing that option from the front page of the e-learning, just as they would access the required area of the live system by clicking on that option.
Any good consultant should be able to design e-learning to cater for all learning styles (e.g. by including simulations, reflective questions, etc.
One lesson we have learned is that users must be educated to use the e-learning, rather than expect an answer on how to do something by picking up the phone to us! This means ensuring that whoever picks up the phone to a query on how to do something with the system directs the caller to the e-learning.
Drop me a line if you would like any further information or lessons learned.
Development
Xtream Software off the BrandonHall.com award winnining development tool for elearning it is extreamly popular amoungst developers. It is 100% programing free and simulates the live enviroment using interactive or non interactive techniques. Contact mathew underwood – [email protected]