Session Number: 331

 

Room: Baja

 

Day and Timeslot: Monday - 1:45pm to 2:45pm

 

Formats: Discussion

 

Session Description: It is the 21st century and time to take training out of the classroom and put it in the hands of the employees. We will discuss some of the mobile options available, share the success of training programs delivered via iPod, and discuss the challenges of transitioning away from traditional classroom training to more user-friendly media.

 

• Minimize reliance on mainframe accessibility and classroom space by using mobile devices
• Taking instruction to the job site to put learning into context for the student
• Updating and sharing information in mobile format as an easy, efficient, consistent and cost effective method regardless of where facilities are located

 

Led by: Vanessa Bernarding - Dick's Sporting Goods

 

Led by: Kathie Sucidlo - L.L. Bean

 

Kathie Sucidlo (BS/MBE) is a Learning Consultant at L.L.Bean, and co-owner of RAS Learning. She has a national client base that includes Brandeis University, the Philadelphia Flyers, and Bowdoin College. Kathie Sucidlo (BS/MBE) is a Learning Consultant at L.L.Bean, and co-owner of RAS Learning. She has a national client base that includes Brandeis University, the Philadelphia Flyers, and Bowdoin College.

 

 

 

Session Notes:

 

We had a large enthusiastic group in this session. I talked about some of the successes we've had at L.L. Bean using an iPod for training delivery, and Vanessa talked about some of the challenges she's come up against as she's tried to implement a mobile program with Dick's Sporting Goods.

 

Much of the discussion centered on the technical aspects of mobile training. Vanessa shared a small mobile device that functions much like a PC with mainframe accessibility. I talked about the iPod (and similar devices). We had many questions about tracking training on an LMS from these devices. There was concern that tracking might not be possible from the iPod. Since we don't have an LMS, it wasn't a problem I was familiar with, but several members of the group told us that it would be possible (though through unconventional means).

 

We talked about some of the advantages of working with these small devices. The mobility of the device, non-reliance on the mainframe, 'just in time' format, audio and video formats working in concert to meet the needs of multiple learning/thinking styles, and the ability of the camera to capture the most difficult angles of demonstrations were among the topics we discussed.

 

We spent a little time talking about the future and some of the potential gains that might be realized from this type of training delivery. Some of the things that came up: Being able to find one really good instructor to complete all video demonstrations (good presentation skills, good grammar, nice speaking tone, consistency of terms and sequence of steps, etc), reduce the number of trainers needed to deliver training, being able to take the learning to the area/equipment being trained to see it function as it is explained, the stop/pause/rewind features that support learning at one's own pace, and cost of an iPod vs the cost of a PC. 

 

I have attached a link to the handout I provided at the session at the close of these notes. If you have any questions, my email address is at the bottom of the handout. 

 

Thank you for your interest and participation. k

 

Overview of technology table format.doc 

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