Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Learning solutions through technology




Slides here.

Learning Solutions through Technology--Lori Reed

eLearning solutions
synchronous (like Horizon Wimba, WebEx, Dimdim)
asynchronous
blended
informal

The information people need to do their jobs will not be posted on a whiteboard, it will be found from interacting with other people.

Check out T is for Training

Tips to implement e-Learning
You need support from the top
Include IT in discussions early on
Trainer, train thyself
Don't put speed over quality
Have a plan
Be prepared to demonstrate Return on Investment
Enlist the help of tech-savvy staff
Look for support from local businesses

Rockin' Staff for everyone: Empowering your staff through tech skills building-- Sarah Houghton-Jan

Why is staff tech training important?
Increase staff retention rate
Show institutional commitment to lifelong learning
Save money
Strengthen staff skills and confidence
Improve customer service
Increase efficiency and productivity
Motivate staff to keep learning

Benefits of a skills based approach
Equitable expectations for all staff
Reveals training needs
Accurate job descriptions
Helps with performance evaluations
Consistent customer service
Helps staff adjust and handle change

Project planning
Goals
Skill lists
Assessment
Training
Reassessment
Evaluation

What are your goals?
Who manages the project?
Do you have, or need to create, a skills list?
Do you have a timeline in mind?
What are your resources (funding and staff)?
What training resources exist and which ones need to be created?

Ensuring staff buy-in
Listen: ask staff for their input and use it.
Keep everyone informed.
Reassure staff that they don't have to know it all now.
Managers must follow project plan.
Hold a brainstorming session or party.
Fun. Rewards. Food.

Ensure Admin buy-in
Write a purpose statement
Determine measurable deliverables (% increase in skills by individual or unit, # of classes or hours completed, etc)
Build training into performance evaluations
Train Admin/Management first or separately (if need be)

Creating a training program
Decide on types and numbers of trainings
Start with the basic topics
Open trainings to all staff
Mandatory or voluntary attendance?
Training budget based on staff needs
Set goals and rewards

Four types of learning
Scheduled learning
Unscheduled learning
Ongoing learning
eLearning

Tips
Add fun!
Use real world examples
Personalize the exercises
Highlight tips and tricks
Encourage student independence
Ask students to dream at the end (...now that you've learned this, what could you change about where you work...)
Be available and accessible

Importance of ongoing reassessment
What about staff who don't meet expectations
How will you measure success? (assessment, anecdotal reports from staff, evaluations, successful tech launches, better customer service)
Celebrate successes!