A MUST-READ !

This past weekend, I received a copy of a recently published White Paper, “Planning and Implementing a Technology Driven Learning Strategy,” authored by Ian Smith, Founder and Manager Director of InterAction Training of Sydney, Australia.

I could not have been more impressed! For any of you charged with a training responsibility, I consider this a MUST READ! And, definitely read it before meeting with any training vendors as it will prepare you quite thoroughly for those meetings. (You’ll know the questions to ask and the danger signals you need to recognize.) You can download a copy for yourself as a link is available on the home page in the bottom right corner of the InterAction Training website, www.interactiontraining.net

As for a very brief overview of this twenty-six page White Paper, I will give you a general idea of what is covered by quoting from Ian’s text:

“The first part of this paper will focus on the identification and implementation of technological learning solutions in your organisation. The tools must integrate seamlessly with other systems, while the resources must dovetail with established learning strategies – evolution not revolution.

Having committed to this great leap of faith, we must not allow a ‘build it and they will come’ complacency to stagnate the momentum. Only half the work is done and to this end, the second part of this paper will focus on the critical ongoing internal marketing of the system.”

Part 1 is entitled, “Selecting and implementing technology centric learning tools and resources” and has the following brief introduction:

“Today’s Learning and Development professionals are confronted by an endless assortment of vendors offering an ever-expanding range of learning programs and support tools. While many of the best known vendors are promoting out-dated technologies, newcomers are emerging in their droves with a large majority embracing open source solutions as a fast track to building a business. Invariably both have one thing in common, and that is that they do not fully understand the cornerstones of the learning industry or the audience that learning professionals serve, but are going to tell you anyway that theirs is the ideal solution for you. This section will openly and honestly identify the challenges that you can expect to face as it follows a structured path designed to help guide you toward informed decisions.”

Part 2 is entitled, “Strategies for marketing technology based Learning” and has the following brief introduction:

“No doubt you understand the importance of the Evaluation Team selecting and then embracing the correct technology in today’s eclectic world of choices. Beyond selection, you will know that you need to implement and market the system such that it is clearly identified as equipping your organisation’s leaders and workers with the tools and skills necessary to achieve and then exceed their goals.”

Read this White Paper for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.