|
|
Effective Web Based Training Techniques
6/30/2005
 -By Chris Archer
This article prepared by Chris Archer of Safety Management Group was originally published in the Q2 2005 issue of ISHE Issues, the publication produced by the Indiana Society for Healthcare Engineering.
Traditional Training
Rather than starting off with technical capabilities, or links to websites, we need to look to the past. Traditional training methods have helped hold companies together and have helped to create today's workplaces. The methods that are used today have been refined over centuries, if not thousands of years, of the employer/employee relationship. Scholars and professionals have studied, analyzed, and refined training techniques into efficient tools for training the workforce. So, there's no reason to start over with something new. The problem is putting traditional training solutions into the digital age. There are significant advantages to digital media, but there are also limitations that need to be discussed.
Not So Fast
Training is often the first choice to correct problems in the workplace. Have a new policy' Have a new process to implement' Managers and executives often prescribe training for their employees as the cure for all problems. It is important to consider that training may not be the solution for issues that are occurring. Do your homework and check equipment, environmental, and management issues before spending time and energy trying to train out problems. You may need training to correct the issue, but you will have gathered more information that will enhance the training process. Perhaps it is better to install machine guards around moving machinery, belts, and chains than it is to train employees how to stick their hands in the machines without injury. Seems simple but this principle is often overlooked.
Assess the need for training.
Once you have determined that training is the solution for your particular problem, you need to gather information. This can be as simple as asking 'Who', What', Where', When', Why', and How'' about your training issue. Be certain that you know the entire extent of the problem and do not rush. Take the time research the issue and see what your peers and competition do. There is much to be learned from others failures and successes. Complete this exercise by writing a list of your training needs based on your assessment.
Example:
1.) Personnel need to demonstrate knowledge of the emergency evacuation plan.
2.) Personnel need to know designated evacuation routes.
3.) Designated personnel need to turn off non-critical equipment.
The better you understand the need for the training, the more likely you will be successful. Ensure that the training delivery meets the needs that you define.
Training delivery
Traditional training methods work well. This typically involves an instructor led course in a classroom setting. However, it can be as simple as newsletters distributed on bulletin boards. Whatever the delivery method, it must meet the needs that have been defined for the training. Does the desired training involve hands on techniques or is it more informative in nature' These questions will point you in the right direction.
Web Based Training (WBT) is a method of delivering training content via the World Wide Web. There are many advantages to this delivery.
Let us consider traditional training and how it works. First, the trainer must develop the training, then schedule and secure the resources to conduct the training: attendee roster, classroom, equipment, etc.
Employees attending the training must take time from their normal duties to attend the training, which means down time. This may involve extensive travel time to get to the training classroom. Imagine 30 employees traveling 30 min, this equates to 15 hours of lost productivity in addition to the time spent by the trainer. The advantage WBT brings is the training content can be delivered to any employee with an internet connection. WBT eliminates the time spent traveling and securing resources for training. Employees can take training at their pace during a time that will least affect the flow of normal business.
Sounding good' Well, like with anything there are limitations. Training that requires hands-on skills is not a good fit for WBT; you would be better using an instructor led course with the needed equipment. However, for other training WBT is an excellent fit. Safety training and human resources training, such as ladder safety and sexual harassment, can be taught with a hands-off approach. Employees need merely to know the company policies and best practices. Training topics that are short in duration and lend to easy assimilation by the attendee are an ideal fit for WBT.
Effective Web Based Training
So what should you look for' The place to start is to research companies that provide WBT services and understand the full package they offer. Most WBT providers offer free demonstration courses that will give you a good feel of the quality of the training.
Web Based Training is limited by the technologies of the web. The training may be as simple as text the trainee reads or complex interactive presentations with audio and video.
Some internet companies offer live training sessions led by instructors. As with most services, you get what you pay for. The reasons for the differences are simple, currently only around 50% of homes and businesses have broadband internet access, thereby effectively limiting the content delivery that is available. Users accessing the internet via dial-up connections will need to stick with text based training. Broadband users should utilize the more complex interactive audio and video training, in this case more is better.
WBT should also come with management tools. This can be helpful in tracking the training that has been completed, showing testing scores for individuals. If a regulatory agency comes knocking on the door, it should enable you to have instant access to your training records.
Also consider the content of the training. Most likely the training will be a generic training module developed for a wide variety of businesses. Some companies will have the ability to develop custom content specific for the policies and procedures for your company. However, you should expect to pay a premium for this service. Depending on the needs of your company, customized content may be money well spent!
For larger organizations it may be possible to develop an internal WBT system. If your company has an Information Technology (IT) department, it would be worthwhile to have a meeting to see what resources are available in-house. The IT folks will be crucial regardless of who provides the WBT. Having the in-house IT personnel develop the training system will ensure that the specific needs of the company are met, and provide a method for future improvement.
If you decide to go with an external vendor you may be limited by the content and capabilities of the provider. At the same time, this option might offer you the efficiency you need in developing and delivering the training.
Regulatory organizations often have standards that apply to the quality of training that must be met. In the safety world the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the key regulatory agency. OSHA has a letter of interpretation that allows WBT to be acceptable provided certain conditions are met. Acceptable training must be interactive and provide a way for the trainee to ask questions. The training must be verified through a post-training quiz or test. The ability to print a certificate of completion is needed. Finally, the training records must be maintained. Be sure that the training offered through internet companies will meet the compliance standards that apply for regulatory agencies in your business.
Companies who benefit the most from WBT training have several factors in common. Employees may be scattered across a wide geographical area and interact with a central office only sporadically. These employees are often field technicians and professionals who need minimal supervision to complete their work. The companies are often small to mid-size with no human resources person or trainers available for consistent instructor led training. WBT for these companies is an ideal solution for their training needs.
Conclusion
I certainly recommend that you look at Web Based Training as a solution for your training needs. It offers flexibility beyond traditional training methods and may be a perfect fit. Search the internet and find a company that offers a free demonstration training to get your feet wet.
You should 'proceed with caution' and ensure that your training goals are met with WBT. Do not rush into this type of training without doing your homework. Considering that the majority of content for WBT is generic and designed for a wide variety of businesses, the limited content of WBT ensures traditional training methods will not disappear anytime soon.
Compared to traditional training, WBT is less expensive on a per person basis, allows for minimal impact upon normal business flow, and provides convenient documentation of training.
The decision to move to WBT should be treated as any business decision, weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that is best for your needs.
Thinking Solutions,
Chris Archer
Training Advisor
Safety Management Group
|
|
|
|
|