How do I think about how the users should be trained?

 

One significant part of any web-based information system implementation is the consideration of user training. Many projects forget their users, or do not spend sufficient time on planning and training, potentially jeopardising the successful implementation.

 

It is imperative that users are aware of significant changes (of which there will be many), particularly if there is a change in the actual working practices of the organisation. Remember that it is highly likely that you will have justified the new information system on the strength of some process improvements.

 

Learning Activity:

 

So what do you need to think about?

 

Get into groups of three or four. Using the checklist below, word storm your thoughts.

 

  • Transfer all required application development software deliverables from the development environment to the production environment
  • Verify that all the proper system functions were successfully transferred into the new system
  • Distribute the sets of paper or electronic system guides to users and supervisors
  • Turn the new system on and verify that its level of operability and functionality is adequate
  • Handover the new system to the users
  • Phase out the old system
  • Complete a system migration report

 

Using the XML tutorial workbook, think about how you would use this documentation to train users.

 

Discuss in your group the following questions:

 

  • What level of skill does the workbook assume?
    • How would you assess the skill of a user?
  • Should the workbook be electronic or paper-based?
    • Does it make any difference to the user?
    • Which would you prefer? Why?
  • What training strategy would you use; would you send every user to a class, or would you send selected people?
  • How would you account for the time lost to training?
    • What measures would you use?
  • How would you quantify the success of the training?

 

The basic information can be found in the following text:

 

Chapter 6, A Methodology for Client/Server and Web Application Development, First Edition, Roger Fournier, Yourdon Press, p358-359, ISBN 0-13-598426-2.

 

However this is only a starting point and you are advised to look further for other resources, such as alternative texts or on the internet.

 

As a guide, this piece of learning should take about one hour to complete.