How to use Twitter as a training & learning tool In the last couple of weeks I have written a number of articles on the use of Twitter (micro-blogging platforms) which have proved of interest. Now is the time to take this further.Before we even look at how twitter can be used for learning, training and education, we need to understand the context before the content. While at a conference this week #iitt09 I was amazed at the number of 'trainers' that did not appear to understand the … [Read more...] about Twitter as a training and learning tool – some examples
Twitter as a learning aid – learning beyond university to informal learning
Learning beyond university to informal learning using micro-blogging Twitter can be used as a great aid to learning, but is it a replacement for traditional learning strategies?Following the publication of a recent post Why Twitter is good for learning we have received a significant amount of supportive feedback. However some academic based sites have criticised the piece without understanding some of the fundamentals of learning and what Twitter and other micro-blogging platforms are capable … [Read more...] about Twitter as a learning aid – learning beyond university to informal learning
Why Twitter is good for learning
Twitter the real brain friendly approach to informal learning Can Twitter be used as a training tool?The traditional approach to learning is to identify end to end learning that is required to achieve a new task. While this works for structured learning it is not very effective for informal or personal learning.The human brain does not think in large logical 'articles', instead it thinks of information in small chunks, of which they form the whole picture. the process is not logical. indeed … [Read more...] about Why Twitter is good for learning
Learning Styles Questionnaire – AVK
'Lite' version of an AVK style learning instrument Learning Styles Questionnaire – AVK As human we have preferences for the way we prefer to communicate information. We use language based on our senses in varying ways. When we can understand our preferences and those of others around us we can be more effective communicators. Please tick the white box if the statement is usually true for you. Statements:VLVNALANKTWhen I make things for my studies, I remember what I … [Read more...] about Learning Styles Questionnaire – AVK
Identifying levels of Training Needs Analysis (TNA) #hrblog
We need to understand the Levels of training needs analysis (TNA) in order to be able to design a learning or training solution.What is a Training Need? To carry out a Training Needs Analysis, we first need to understand what a 'Training Need' is.A training need is the gap between current and future knowledge or skills, that can be bridged by training or learning activities. We often refer to this as capability and learning requirements.There may be other gaps that need to be met … [Read more...] about Identifying levels of Training Needs Analysis (TNA) #hrblog
The rising cost of learning… The E-Book – con or hero?
The rising cost of learning… First there was decimalisation, then the Euro, the litre and now the e-book. Isn’t it interesting that to many of us the actual increasing costs of things are not so obvious when there has been a change of culture or context? With the introduction of decimalisation in the early 70s and latterly the Euro across central Europe many products were rounded up in price. Even more recently the move from selling petrol from gallons to litres allowed the price to jump … [Read more...] about The rising cost of learning… The E-Book – con or hero?
Freelancing in training, coaching & consultancy: How to stand out from the crowd
Freelancing in training, coaching & consultancy Over the summer time (and early in the new year) we often reflect on our position and of our career options. Some of us start looking for new roles, others for different challenges like going freelance. In the current economic climate of course some of us may not have a choice.In this article I collate my experiences and those of other freelance providers. The list is presented in a (near) logical order, however the order presented is … [Read more...] about Freelancing in training, coaching & consultancy: How to stand out from the crowd
Training Needs Analysis Template – TNA sample
Sample Training Needs Analysis Template Often when starting out in training, managers are required to undertake a training needs analysis (TNA) on their people, however one of the hardest things to do in any job is start with a blank sheet. So here is one to get you started.We have other articles on TNAs here at RapidBI however the basic process is: identify the core skills or competencies the organisation or department needs map each individual against those needs - i.e. how well … [Read more...] about Training Needs Analysis Template – TNA sample
How to do a Training Needs Analysis – TNA (Learning Needs Analysis LNA)
Overview - How to do a Training Needs Analysis - TNA - LNA A Training Needs Analysis (TNA) (or Learning Needs Analysis LNA) consists of a series of activities conducted to identify or solve problems and to determine whether training is an appropriate solution.The TNA is often the first step taken to initiate change. This is mainly because a needs analysis specifically defines the gap between the current and the desired individual and organisational performances. Introduction For … [Read more...] about How to do a Training Needs Analysis – TNA (Learning Needs Analysis LNA)
Training Needs Analysis TNA – sample templates
Training Needs Analysis TNA - sample templates The links below will provide access to a sample TNA form and an example how the same data can be used for developing personal development plans.TNA Sample data collection form and Sample Output for PDP useThe original article published in TrainingZone is printed below:TNA: Knowing Where to Start Your JourneyIn this practical guide, Mike Morrison goes through the stages of an IT training needs analysis.Introduction to … [Read more...] about Training Needs Analysis TNA – sample templates
Writing a training session or lesson plan – templates
Templates for writing a training session or a lesson plan can be a confusing task to people new to the world of learning. One of the challenges for a new trainer is the development of a lesson or session plan for a training course or module.The reason this is such a challenge are often simple – tutors do not provide a sample template or format to copy, saying that it is the trainer or teachers choice, however when you are learning this is more of a barrier than an enabler of choice to … [Read more...] about Writing a training session or lesson plan – templates
Going Freelance – So you want to go independent?
Starting out in freelance training - What does it take to be successful? Overview This document is not meant to be a complete how to guide for those wishing to start a consultancy business. It's purpose is to ask some of the questions and show some information that many other sources fail to do. Introduction to going freelance Many trainers, developers, coaches and facilitators occasionally get the urge to jump ship and do their own thing. So what is the difference between those that … [Read more...] about Going Freelance – So you want to go independent?
Action Learning & Action Learning Sets – Reg Revans
Action Learning & Action Learning Sets Introduction to Action learning So what is Action Learning? A definition of Action Learning Action Learning Set Who is in it? A 'Set' Meeting Action Learning Projects Participating in an Action Learning Set Structuring your timeIntroduction to Action learningWhen devising a management development programme, it is important to ensure that participants are not only 'taught' or trained, but that they have an opportunity to put learning into action. … [Read more...] about Action Learning & Action Learning Sets – Reg Revans
From leadership to training & L&D
Your opportunity to request content on this siteOver the past 12 weeks I have been posting many short 'nuggets' on leadership, while I have a number of these to go I am now planning the next series - Training or Learning and Development.So here is your opportunity to contribute - what would you like to see added? what do you want mini-blog entries on? I expect that many topics will be developed into full entries, but these mini blog pieces have proved very popular.Just add your thoughts to … [Read more...] about From leadership to training & L&D
Advice for new trainers
Relax & Relate.. the first 5 minutes are the most importantFollow the 3 Golden Rules:Relax & Relate - the most important 'work' is often done before the event starts, when you meet and build rapport individually with the learners. Agree the Agenda with the group - Use the phrase 'It's your course', to encourage involvement and ownership - especially with resistant participants. Agree a clear 'Course Protocol' - i.e. what's 'ok' and not ok, e.g. Ok: contributing, being … [Read more...] about Advice for new trainers
Going Freelance in difficult times – consulting and training
Many people believe that one of the most successful ways of starting as a freelancer and maintaining a growing consulting or training business is to specialise or to find your own niche. What is a business niche? A niche business is one with a focus or area of specialisation. It is a market segment that particularly suits your experience, knowledge, talents, interests and personality. It is a segment of the market that you can make your own. You make it yours because it fits your expertise and … [Read more...] about Going Freelance in difficult times – consulting and training
Tips for those thinking about going freelance in training or consultancy
How to become a freelance trainer or consultant So you want to go independent as a freelance trainer or consultant? Do your own thing?How do you go about starting out in freelance training? Overview on going freelance - or How to become a freelance trainer This document is not meant to be a complete how to guide for those wishing to start a consultancy business. It's purpose is to ask some of the questions and show some information that many other sources fail to do. Tips and ideas which … [Read more...] about Tips for those thinking about going freelance in training or consultancy
Evaluating the impact of training – another failure
Evaluating the impact of training is this as successful as we would like to believe?On one forum I regularly visit was the question:I am currently trying to answer a question for my course, but have hit a slight problem. The question I need to answer for my written project is:- Conduct an analysis to determine the effects that training has had on the success of your organisation. I was planning on writing about Customer Service training we have been running on going for the last 18 … [Read more...] about Evaluating the impact of training – another failure
What is an Internship? Why should you do one?
At its most basic level an internship programme could be said to be: An internship programme is a planned work experience opportunity offered by an employer. There should be no expectation of employment after completing the programme/ experience. People in these roles are called interns. The intern role is to work at an organisation for a fixed, limited period of time. Interns are usually undergraduates or post graduates. Most internships last for any length of time between 1 week and 12 … [Read more...] about What is an Internship? Why should you do one?
Chase to the bottom – or do you know of a free tool to…? #hrblog
Do you know of a free too to...? When was the last time you asked the question "Do you know of a free tool ...?" Was this your first attempt at solving the problem or last resort? Are free tools really free or is the cost hidden? Do we really understand all the costs involved?Many of our readers know that we are active in some of the HR and learning & Development online communities. Sometimes questions asked spark ideas and thoughts to share. This piece is one of them.The article … [Read more...] about Chase to the bottom – or do you know of a free tool to…? #hrblog
