Tech4learning

A Complete "Skill-Builder" Blend

Now I'm a big-picture thinker (INTJ in the MBTI world) and in my ideal world, completeness is the key to success (and global domination, but that's for another day).

So I was very impressed to discover the Rapid Skill-Builder solution from the Worldwide Center for Organizational Development.

I discovered them from an e-learning perspective but - as part of their "completeness", their solution is also available as an m-learning solution and t-learning (yes, t-learning - or trainer-led).

Essentially, via either a face-to-face route (short 2-3 hours workshops), or one via e-learning or a mobile device, you can offer your employees a complete competency development programme that literally covers every topic you would hope to find.  You could seamlessly blend the different methods too.

Whichever route you take, the formats are the same, with video scenarios used to demonstrate the theory and either trainers' notes or audio narration to deliver the facilitation aspects.  Consistent supporting materials help both the trainer and learner through the material.

The material has also been validated by the UK's Institute of Leadership and Management, an organisation I particularly respect, having worked with them in previous roles.  In fact, the material can be studied as part of more formal accredited programmes.

The pricing is transparent and very attractive, especially as you are offered a complete out-of-the box skills and competency development approach.

This is definitely a solution worth investigating if you have a clean sheet and are looking to introduce blended learning into your learning and development strategy.

E-learning Tools for Manufacturing

When it comes to my knowledge of generic e-learning content, I'm very familiar with the wide range of soft skills and IT applications training programmes available from the leading players in the market.

But when it comes to the manufacturing sector, I'll be honest to say that I've never really thought much about the need for generic e-learning training.  I've worked on custom e-learning projects for the chemical engineering industry that underpinned an on-the-job apprenticeship training programme, so didn't think much beyond that initial requirement.

So I was interested to come across Tooling U, a US-based provider of online training for the manufacturing sector, who offer a very wide range of e-learning courses in all matter of topics.

As well as covering the use of specific types of machinery, they also have courses that introduce the employee to the underlying processes surrounding the use of these tools.  They've also recently launched a range of soft skills modules for factory floor supervisors.  Given my own background in soft skills training, I reviewed the demo of one of these new modules and - putting aside the US feel to it - I was impressed by the instructional design and overall look and feel.

They also offer a range of m-learning versions under the TU Mobile brand.

I can't vouch necessarily for the technical content, but if you are in the manufacturing sector, then I'm sure you'll want to take a look.

Video Conferencing - The Next Generation

I've been producing webinars for over four years now, but recently I've been asked to host web-conferencing sessions as a direct replacement for more expensive video conferences.  At times a web-conference has cost less than 25% of the cost of a hardware-based video conference.

So - for once - I was interested in seeing a flyer that fell out of a magazine the other week.

Nefsis offers web-based multi-party video conferencing services that can offer a video wall of attendees, alongside a shared desktop application, document or PowerPoint slideshow.

The all-in pricing starts from £225 per month for 5 concurrent users, enough for a small tutorial class, or £315 per month for 10 users, enough for an interactive webinar audience.  You can get quotes for higher volumes of users.

A variety of screencast demos will give you an idea as to how the service works.