Methods of delivering training

- There are so many ways to deliver instruction. So, it's important to set parameters and expectations for delivery before people assume how the instruction's going to be delivered. When you talk about training, most often people tend to think of face-to-face, classroom based instruction. This type of instruction can be good, because it doesn't require any technical expertise. It just needs a person standing in front of a classroom. The problem with this is that sometimes the person presenting the instruction may not be good at conveying the instructional message. One way to improve the delivery of classroom instruction is to set the proper expectations of what is good instruction. Set standards and consider internally certifying people so you know they can deliver the appropriate training message. Hold all instructors to these standards to bring up the organization's instructional acumen and to gain the best results from instructor led training efforts. You will also need to set expectations for the e-learning, as well. We've all sat through virtual instructor led webinars which were mind numbing. We check our email, work on other projects, and simply check out if the virtual classroom experience turns out to be boring. You've got to set up some type of training program to help online instructors deliver dynamic, interesting, and valuable sessions. It turns out the skill required of a classroom instructor and those required of an online instructor don't overlap 100%. You need to find distinct training for both. Of course, another option is self-paced online instruction. This is another place where you need to set proper expectations. With a limited budget, you're not going to be able to create high-end cinematic simulations or games, instead you might just be able to create a clip art based course with limited interactions. And if that's all you can create, it's okay, but you need to set those expectations early. Leadership might think that online learning is going to have the same quality as their kids' video games. However, without the multimillion dollar budgets of video game companies, your organization's training is not going to look like a triple A title. But that's okay, because a video game look and feel is not required for effective learning. But you will want to show your leadership what is possible with the type of budgets you receive for course development. Develop some sample courses at certain price points or with accurate development times attached so that when someone asks for self-paced e-learning module, you can help set the right expectations with those examples. Setting the right expectations for training delivery in both the mode and quality will allow you to deliver training at the right level to meet the right need within the assigned budget.