Wednesday, January 2, 2008

The Write Stuff

Successful learning depends on accurate, easy-to-understand, and thorough learning aids and resources. User Reference Manuals and Guides, Operator Manuals, and job aids (also known as “cheat sheets”) are typical examples.

After the training session has concluded, adult learners want to have something tangible to take away from the learning experience. Printed reference materials, or links posted on your company’s intranet, are often times the most widely used resources your workforce will rely upon when searching out how to complete a task or procedure. These materials make the training an on-going process, instead of a one-time, finite event.

Another consideration is the training presentation materials and content. Is everything clearly written? Succinct? Accurate? Does the presentation content blend with and enhance the material provided in the training take-aways? More importantly, does the material support the identified learning objectives?

Solid technical communication addresses all of this, and is an integral part of the overall learning solution.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year

We begin the new year seeing a continuing increase in the availability of online education. In the U.S., 35% of educational institutions are now offering some form of online education, with 3.5 million people participating in it.

The importance of sound instructional design and the appropriate application of instructional technologies in creating these online learning experiences are more important than ever.

Our Learning Territory continues to expand...

Wishing you a year of health, peace, and learning.