Effective teaching on how to use software

Feb 21, 2011

Hi, I just got a contract with a mayor bookstore chain who is implementing a new ERP. I have to build courses to teach the bookstore personnel on how to use this software. (cashier, inventory and sales floor personnel)

the thing is... I want to design a course that goes beyond the classic linear way of teaching:

"Ok to do this.... click here, click there, etc...   (I have to admit that the courses I´ve build are this way... and they are very BORING)" I want to do better.

So, I really what to make something different, I want to change the focus of the course:

instead of just making  task oriented simulations about the software, I´ll like to center the attention on the responsabilities of each position and how the new software will help them accomplish them.

the idea sounds good... but the thing is..... I really don't know how to do this in a way that results in a good learning experience,

does anybody have a idea on how to accomplish this?

has anyone done this?

in advance I want to thank anyone to shares an idea with me!

have a nice day,

Bernardo

2 Replies
Jeanette Brooks

Hi Bernardo - I think it's cool that you want to help your learners focus not just on how to do the tasks, but also on why the tasks matter! What if you gave them both types of information - i.e., not only just a linear task-centric element but also a more interactive element? That is how Tom and David built the LINGOs Christian Aid course ...  they included a "technology overview" track as well as a "decision-making" track, and learners could complete either or both.

You could work with your SMEs to find out what are the most critical learning needs as the company migrates to the new ERP system, and then build your scenarios or interactivities around those. .  i.e.,... what are the most costly or frequent mistakes they worry about the learners making? What roadblocks (skill-related or attitude-related) do they anticipate learners struggling with? What are the top skills that'll help learners get productive & proficient the fastest? Once you know those things, you can build scenarios around those specific issues.  A simulation (such as an interactive swf or a simple simulation built with PowerPoint hyperlinks) would still play an important role in the course so that learners can practice the procedural parts of the job, but it'll mean more to the learner if that simulation is wrapped in a realistic scenario that they might really encounter in real life.

Have you already noodled out the performance objectives of the course? If so, maybe you could share those here & folks could help brainstorm some simulations and activities to make the learning compelling.

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