“The Times They Are A-Changin”

As I have advanced through my career, I have seen jobs, the economy, and technology change. For businesses to continue to be competitive, their employees’ skills must grow and change. Technology offers many ways to improve employee skills. The traditional face to face training is still beneficial but can be greatly enhanced through multimedia presentations that incorporate all aspects of the job through video, animation, print, and hands on experiences. In addition to this type of training, emerging technologies have created more options for training. Businesses now have the option to include webcasts (can be produced, for example, once a month to share updates and new skills with employees), webinars (a web-based seminar with the key feature of allowing the presenter to interact with the participants), and instructional videos for specific skills.

Learning modules are another great learning tool. With an objective or learning goal, a learning module can be designed. Modules include text, graphics, video, animations, and sounds. Learning modules ensure that the user is learning and mastering the newly required skills. Users have the ability to move at their own pace in the learning environment, review information as needed, play games that enhance the retention of the information, participate in self-assessment, and finally be formally assed to verify the information was learned. A module creates an active learning experience and with active learning comes a better understanding and grasp of the new skills.

Yes, as Bob Dylan said, “The Times They Are A-Changin”, but the change means improved productivity and better skilled employees.

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