Note: this article, re-posted with permission, is by Bill Booth. Training by Computer, Some Not All
originally appeared in the Interact Business Group newsletter.
While walking the exhibit floor at the IAFC conference in Atlanta I was struck by the large and growing numbers of private companies and educational institutions offering training and degree programs. Only a short few years ago we began to see private companies offering training programs as “slide presentations” (the paper kind). Then after a couple of years we saw the introduction of the Computer Based Training (CBT) which was software based. In reality most were slides in PowerPoint with a few pictures thrown in. Oh, how far we have come! At the FDIC last April there were 116 education vendors exhibiting almost 400 products! There is currently a “discussion” raging on in one of our LinkedIn Groups about the pros and cons of learning the intricacies of first response, tactics and emergency management and whether that can be accomplished on a computer. It will likely come down to a simple matter of money and common sense.
Our company, IBG, just completed a project for a department whose training budget had been (and continues to be) decimated by budget cuts. Their job is still as difficult and dangerous as it always has been. Yet they are expected to provide the same high level of service with a whole lot less money. Given that point alone, the more economical online-training solutions are bound to be leveraged more and more. And with more demand (and users making demands) the applications for e-learning, training and education will continue to get better – eventually becoming an everyday part of training programs.
In the very near future creating an atmosphere of blended training will become the norm. The lesson I learned in Atlanta is that some specific aspects of your job can be accomplished by computer. I said some, not all.
Can a recruit learn to climb and feel the risk of a ladder using a computer? Of course, not. Can the same recruit use a computer to learn hazardous materials placard signs? Absolutely. So the solution comes down to this. Some training must be handled on the drill ground – no argument there. But some training is fine for the classroom, and some training can even be handled… yes, on a computer.
After seeing how far technology has come in just a few short years, my belief in this is stronger than ever that People can learn new skills and hone existing ones using computer software or online applications. If you are not engaged-in or at least researching some form of computer/online instruction, then get started. If you need some help to get started, here are 9 steps that I use when helping departments develop their strategic plan.
- Establish a Project Team - select from different skill sets (for example: a veteran hands-on instructor and a tech savvy type).
- Define the Vision and Goals - What do you hope to accomplish and why?
- Define Learning Needs and Wants - Review all your curriculums. What absolutely must stay hands-on and what can be moved to a computer?
- Benchmark Technologies and Courseware - Do a vendor search, what is existing and available?
- Define Established Technology Infrastructure - What hardware, software, and infrastructure do you need?
- Develop Implementation and Phasing Scenario - prioritize (how and when)
- Develop Cost Budgets
- Measure and Evaluate Cost Benefits - This one is important. How much will it cost and what are the long term benefits?
- Management Buy-in and Funding
Bill Booth, President of the Interact Business Group, possesses 20 years of experience developing business plans and strategic models for public safety agencies. Throughout the nation, Mr. Booth has assisted and directed public agencies and educational institutions by applying the best traditional business practices in the field of training facility financing, operating, partnering, technology and funding. Under his leadership IBG is considered the leader and pioneer in the field of strategic and business planning for the public safety training industry. Mr. Booth is also the founder of the highly regarded “Seven-Step Business Plan Process,” which provides a step-by-step roadmap that enables planners and decision makers to approach the training facility planning and sustainability method from a strategic/business perspective. Bill may be contacted at bbooth@interactbusinessgroup.com
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