User Training

Training end-users in using a new system is very important as productivity greatly depend on how familiar they are with a system.

Effective user training is an essential part of introducing a new system. Methods of delivering user training:

– Self-instruction

– Formal classes

– Remote/Online training

Self instruction

• Users can learn how to use a new system on their own, provided they have the right material to learn from. • It can take the form of reading a manual or watching a tutorial.

Formal classes

• Users sitting in a classroom listening to an instructor who shows and explains how to use the system. • This type of training is useful to train large amounts of staff as it is effective and relatively cheap, but if the size of the classes is too big, there is little time to deal with individual problems and questions.

Remote / Online training

• An instructor training one user or a small group of users by some kind of remote connection (Skype, Google Hangouts, Face time, etc.). • This is the most effective way of training as training can be suited to user's needs and abilities, while being instructed by a professional that caters to specific needs.

• Advantages: – Structured learning environment – Expert on hand to answer questions – Curriculum designed to teach all aspects, including ones that might be misunderstood or difficult to grasp – Flexible locations

• Disadvantages: – Expensive – teachers & internet connection needed – Can feel ‘remote’ with no quick ‘hands on’ – Has to be computer-based