Chapter 6: Knowing How to Train Users Additional training is needed when there are new users and when there are significant changes to the system.
When is additional training needed? A common mistake that organizations make is not to budget the resources for adequate training after the implementation phase. It is important to provide for periodic retraining as experience reveals needs. In addition, you will want to provide new training when changes occur in the software. It is also important to have a plan for training new users to the system. Some school districts and universities offer an ongoing series of computer system classes so that staff can take initial training or refresher training when it is convenient. Others survey staff once or twice a year to get an indication of what classes should be offered. It's a good idea to hold regularly scheduled sessions to introduce teachers to newly purchased instructional software, new curriculum and other resources available on the Internet. There are various times and ways to offer ongoing training. One school held problem-solving sessions over breakfast called "Stop and Grow Breakfasts." If there is interest, you can schedule sessions after work hours or on Saturdays. Planned staff development days are good times to schedule training sessions. You may even want to have a district, university, or library technology liaison staff member who can be available to work with persons needing individualized help. Another option is to compile lists of user questions as they arise and then include them, with the answers, in a newsletter or in a brief document. This can help users figure out where they are having problems, and may help solve some of the problems.
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