A Funny thing Happened…

I chickened out on my attempt to add transitions to our in-house training program. Maybe that’s a little harsh, I am still planning to add them, but I needed a test run before going live. I wanted to make sure that the technology I was planning to use for taking notes (my Tablet PC) and the type of transition I was planning to use (lead-in questions) were going to work. So, instead of a debut session, I opted for a dry run in front of a few trusted critics. I’m, convinced that the concept is a good one, but I’m glad I did the test.

One reason I’m glad has to do with the technology; it worked fine for recording input, but there were problems. I had practiced using my Tablet PC as a note taking device, and I knew that would work. I also knew that I would have to use the on-screen keyboard to enter data during the demonstration segment – I had practiced performing both tasks. I practiced, but I didn’t do a dress rehearsal. By that I mean I didn’t try it in the room connected to the projector. When I connected my Tablet to the projector, the screen resized (the Tablet is wide screen) and the access icon for the on screen keyboard disappeared. This left me fumbling to access the physical keyboard which is under the screen when the PC is used as a tablet.

The other reason I’m glad I did the test was that it generated so much valuable feedback about the training program in general. We’ve talked on this blog before about the importance of feedback, and I’ve mentioned how we use surveys and blogs to gather feedback, but this was special. I was live, in front of four coworkers who offered comments and advice on a wide range of subjects. We talked about the concept and technique of transitions. We talked about the topics selected for the training session. We talked about what topics should follow in the next session and when that session should be presented. What was planned to be a 30 minute demonstration turned into a 90 minute program critique and generated some very valuable comments.

Since that dry-run, I’ve figured out the on-screen keyboard issue and I’ve adjusted the program content and the schedule to reflect the input received. I am more confident than ever that we are moving the program in the right direction.

I want to end this entry with a special note of thanks to Faith Antion, Roger Brown, Vince Stevenson, Guila Muir and Mark Thompson. You guys were willing to get on board and support the idea of yet another blog about training and your efforts helped gain page views and followers. I look forward to more great posts, more guest bloggers and more comments in 2010. I hope each of you will join us again as we share the things we know about our shared passion.