Introducing a new scheduling system
BHP Billiton was in the process of updating their online scheduling system. The new interface was built in the UX software SAP Fiori to unify their existing systems. To safe time, they decided to develop the training in the end phase of the software built and during pilot testing.
The new system had to be roll-out across all business areas – Commodities, Minerals Australia and Minerals Americas. Additionally, the training could not be in a live system or test environment. The decision was to simulate the interaction with the software in Adobe Captivate. When I joined the team, my task was to develop a template for these training simulations. They had to be suitable as standalone as well as facilitator led show-me, try-me and test-me modules.
The training also had to be translated to Spanish for Minerals Americas. The dialog boxes for screen interaction needed to be in plain English and the language appropriate for the diverse scheduling demands.
I was able to get the hang of the system and the process flow by observing a scheduler using the new system in the test environment. From there I created different scenarios for all possible scheduling demands. These software simulations were effectively used on their own and in face to face training courses.
Developing a new Learning Strategy
The Australian Appeals Tribunal (AAT) just acquired ELMO as their new Learning Management System. Besides the hosting of content they also subscribed to their soft skill and compliance training.
The Organisational Development team needed my input to develop a training framework for these courses suitable for their employees, leaders and members. After analysing ELMO’s course offerings and I created a three tier training framework with mandatory training. I had to customise the HTML content of these courses with AAT specific content and terminologies and ensure it was WCAG2.0 compliant.
In a launch email, I introduced the new system with the possibility to record achievements and the new training framework.
To ensure future courses were WCAG2.0 compliant, I updated their templates and quality control processes. I also created documents to standardise their request and collaboration practice.
One of them was a service Level Agreement where the time-frame and expectations of subject matter experts is plainly defined.
The other one was the initial meeting agenda after receiving a training request to clarify the scope and intent of the training.
With all those tools at their disposal, the AAT was confident that they are able to build new eLearning within the capabilities of their team.
Creating engaging virtual classroom training
The Department of Human Service was seeking my expertise to assist with their virtual classroom induction training. They had procured the Web conferencing software Adobe Connect to conduct their blended induction training for their geographically dispersed audience.
All those tools rely on PowerPoint slides with some quizzes and question pools to engage the participants.
Every successful virtual training session engages and monitors the audience, which requires two facilitators.
The key to successful virtual training is having two facilitator to engage with and track of the audience. One that monitors the chat, the other one engages with the audience.
Also these type of training need a different design of slides than face to face training. The proven concept is one idea per slide with a topic summary in the end.
I was able to incorporate all these principles and the facilitators as well as the audience were happy with the improvements.
Developing a standard to compose airspace information
CASA was in the progress of updating their compliance training for an upcoming audit. In a collaboration week all stakeholders and subject matter experts came together in one place. The participants were working on 20 projects ranging from drafting new regulations to designing training solutions.
I was project manager for the airspace project Notice to Airman (NOTAM). Air services, who handles airspace information had developed a new online form to submit any mayor disruption in the airspace.
In a preliminary discussion it was decided, that the best approach would be an eLearning course since the form was online as well.
In the collaboration week, I asked for input and displayed the gathered content in PowerPoint printouts to visualise the flow. While the group discussed wording and sequencing of slides, I recorded the information in the PowerPoint itself.
We also had external visitors from air service and the Defence Agency to discuss our approach. They were happy with the proposal and eager to put the training course in place themselves.
The final interactive eLearning course included different types of NOTAMs and airspace relevant assessment questions.