Shepherd spells out key principles for trainers
According to Clive Shepherd, e-learning director at The Institute of IT Training (IITT), there are five principles to which trainers need to adhere if they are to be both worthwhile and successful in today's business climate.
These five principles are that trainers must:
- speak the language of business - rather than their own, often obscure, jargon.
- be prepared to be flexible - to meet the growing need for tailoring learning materials to smaller audiences within shorter time frames.
- not 'let technology happen' to them - but, rather, they must develop their knowledge and experience of all learning delivery methods.
- encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own learning.
- take time for quiet reflection - to understand the threats that beset them (the speed of change); their opportunities (the use of networks to deliver learning); their weaknesses (slow response times to meeting organisations' and learners' needs), and strengths (their ability to ask questions).
"As trainers we have to communicate effectively with business leaders using the language of business," said Shepherd. "This means couching - and justifying - training in such terms as 'better', 'more', 'faster' and 'cheaper'."
Shepherd was speaking at the IITT's inaugural National Trainers' Conference, held at Stratford Upon Avon in Warwickshire, on 20th May. The conference, which attracted some 160 delegates, considered topics including encouraging creativity in the classroom; the value of a skills management system; showing the business value of training projects; how to increase participation in e-learning; correlating learning preferences with e-learning materials, and developing e-trainer skills.
The event concluded with a 'Question Time' type panel session in which Richard Malam of Centrica Group; Jayne Edwards of HBOS; Don Taylor of InfoBasis, and the writer and publicist, Bob Little, discussed delegates' concerns. These concerns included how to generate a positive perception of e-learning from its users; how to get 'buy-in' to new ideas from both bosses and learners, and how to encourage sceptical learners to become involved with new technology and learning delivery tools.
Colin Steed, the IITT's chief executive, commented: "This may have been the Institute's first National Trainers' Conference but, on the evidence of this event, it will not be the last.
"Not only was the extremely large number of attendees most encouraging - especially at a time when many of the established 'trade conferences' are seeing their delegate numbers decline - but there was a great deal of lively debate during the proceedings. This would suggest that not only do IITT members take their profession, and professional development, seriously but also that they are eager to share their experience and best practice techniques."
The next IITT National Trainers' Conference is scheduled for 18th May 2004.
End
Notes for Editors:
Photographs are available - on request from Bob Little Press & PR on 01727 860405.
About the IITT National Trainers' Conference
The event was held on 20th May 2003 at Stratford Manor, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire. Some 160 delegates attended the event.
The speakers were:
Clive Shepherd, e-learning director at the IITT, who gave the keynote address and spoke on 'developing blended solutions that work''.
Kathy Morris, European learning and development manager at PTC, who spoke on 'creativity in the classroom'.
Consultant, Howard Hills, who discussed personality types and e-learning preferences.
Don Taylor, of InfoBasis, who spoke on 'from training delivery to skills management' and 'developing a sourcing strategy: internal of outside?'
Tony Moss, of the IITT, who explained how to show the business value of any training project.
David Shepherd, director of All Things In Moderation, who spoke on how to increase participation and completion in e-learning.
Julie Linn, the e-learning manager at The Training Foundation, who discussed developing e-trainer skills.
The sessions were chaired by the consultant and writer, Richard Naish, and the writer and publicist, Bob Little.