4 Responses

1. Bitesize

   Hi Harry

   I personally find it almost impossible to remember software I only use infrequently.

   However, bite size chunks that explain what I need to know when I need to know it are excellent! 

   http://www.bitesizeltd.com/

   Good luck

   Steve

    

    

2. Some best practices for IT training

   Make sure the training is "hands on" and not simply a demonstration of the software. Learners need a chance to type and use a mouse as they experiment and try out their new skills.

   Always include a workbook. Learners want a reference book to use later. Provide quick reference cards for tasks that uses won’t do often.

   Use exercises and examples that relate to the learner’s job. It shows learners how they will apply their new IT skills in their daily work. Have extra exercises available for advanced learners who might race through the basic exercise. Give them more challening work to keep them occupied, or pair them with slower learners.

   If your training involves completing lengthly online forms, you normally don’t have to teach experienced computer users how to move between fields or navigate menus (and they can usually figure out what most fields mean). Focus on those fields that are confusing, and teach learners how to use online help or other sources to find out what to enter in such a field.

   Good luck!

3. ICT Training

   Pretty much the same really –

   • Have a good plan displayed so the learners know what is coming and don’t jump in with unrelated questions and throw the whole thing off track
   • Keep the topics in inter-related chunks
   • Start with the simple stuff and increase the difficulty gradually so as not to lose the less confident/competant learner
   • Question, question, question – then you’ll know as soon as you’ve lost them!
   • Identify the ‘know-it-all’ and make sure they sit next to one of the less competent users so they can do some of the teaching for you (as long as they do know it all and don’t pass on bad practice!)
   • Relate it to the ‘real world’ – ask them but don’t tell them how this will work for them in the field
   • Ask them to identify at the end of the session, 1 thing that will change their work practice.  This way they will have to think back over everything you’ve taught them.

4. for retention…..

   get them to create appropriate mnemonics, acronyms, rhymes, alliterations, mantras……it sounds stupid but they really do aid retention of memory….I can still remember a sequence that I learned 30 years ago this month years ago and haven’t had to use since mid 1987….enairelcapgrotisptasklogsy……

   Rus

   http://www.coach-and-courses.com