At Optim…
Welcome to our first newsletter for 2012. We have been asked a number of questions lately about the types of technology that are readily available for learning and development practitioners and thought we would focus this newsletter on this hot topic.
Staying Current with Technology
Technology changes so rapidly it is sometimes difficult to maintain a current working knowledge of what is relevant and available in the learning and development sector. To help you out, we’ve compiled a quick reference list below:
- Online Learning: Modularised training accessed online by learners at a time that suits them. These programs are typically developed in Flash or Captivate technologies
- System Simulation: Online walkthroughs of system functions. These often include hints and tips to the learner as they progress through a process
- Webinar: Interactive, web-based training led by a facilitator or moderator. This style of training enables learners to interact with each other and the facilitator in real time
- Podcast / Webcast: Non-interactive, web-based training. This is often in the form of an instructional video and requires learners to have the appropriate multimedia application to view the training
- Social Media Technology: Similar to Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, many organisations are developing their own inhouse social media technology to encourage peer-to-peer learning
- On-Demand Video: Non-interactive web-based training that posts training on readily accessible sites such as YouTube
- Mobile / Tablet Technology: Training developed specifically to be run on smart phones or tablets.
Ensuring High Quality Training Materials
Often we are invited to review or upgrade training materials to find that the quality assurance processes were a little lacking. Regardless of the type of training that you are developing, there are a number of materials that should also be developed to ensure high quality outputs. These include:
- Templates – with styles and structure defined
- Terminology guidelines
- Version control document
- Quality assurance checklists.
By developing these documents at the commencement of a training project you will ensure that your outputs are of the highest quality. If you would like to know how to develop any of these materials, contact us on enquiries@optimlearning.com.au.
February Tips
Have you ever considered using a webinar as a means to reach an audience that is geographically spread? This month’s tips have been created to assist you in using webinars effectively as a training medium.
- Tip 1: Use an expert – The speaker in a webinar should be a subject matter expert and not just someone reading from a script
- Tip 2: Be poignant and interesting – It is easier to lose an audience in a webinar than in a face to face setting. To avoid this keep the content focused and relevant to learners
- Tip 3: Use visuals and handouts – Pre-organised learner materials will ensure that all learning styles are catered to and assist in the delivery of important content
- Tip 4: Ensure that there will be no interruptions – Book a quiet conference / meeting room to conduct the session so that learners are not disturbed by passing conversations
- Tip 5: Consider conducting facilitated, concurrent webinars – Arrange for learners attend the webinar in training rooms with a facilitator. This way learning activities can be included in the webinar, which can be facilitated in person, making the training more engaging and fulfilling (without the need for the subject matter expert to travel).
We are interested in hearing what issues you are tackling so that our newsletter remains informative and useful to you. Contact us on