Due to the proprietary nature of almost all project work, it is typically not possible to share detailed information. The following scenarios offer a summary of project experiences, without divulging specific, non-public client data.
Click each scenario title, below, to learn more.
Challenge
Transition staff in multiple locations to new business processes and product quality testing systems. The certification training must be available before the new system is operational, so that the transition does not interrupt business operations.
Solution
Develop and deliver a blended learning solution, tailored to five audiences with partially overlapping roles and responsibilities. Some of the training is in person (instructor led), some is online, via WebEx, and some is pure e-learning, developed with Captivate/Flash/Articulate/MS Office/Camtasia.
Existing documentation is reviewed and business units are interviewed to identify knowledge gaps, business needs and other issues that training can address.
Curriculum is designed from analysis. Terminal learning objectives are developed from the curriculum. Enabling objectives are developed to support the terminal objectives. Material is gathered, including practical usage scenarios, to support the objectives, some from product or other documentation, some from remote screen capture sessions, some from in-person discussions with managers and staff. Coordinating with the project manager, the solution is implemented and evaluated.
Challenge
New, in-house-developed clinical research software system needs multiple versions of drug-study-specific training delivered by live instructors who travel to train clinicians at multiple sites around the globe, under tight delivery turnaround schedules. The computer server equipment that they carry to global sites to support the live system training complicates the training delivery logistics and reliability.
Solution
Analyze system to develop modular training components from Lectora and X.HLP templates that I developed that reflect the core software elements of the clinical research software system. Build a “Lego” assembly block type of training module configurator that allows the instructors to rapidly assemble their own training content that reflects how the research software system is set up for specific drug studies. Develop an automated JavaScript code analyzer/code generator program, to reduce 3 hours of JavaScript/ HTML coding by hand, down to an automated 30 second button-click menu-based procedure, whenever a new course/presentation with simulations needs to be created. Create complete documentation on how to use the automated code analyzer/code generator program. Train the Protocol Administration Group how use the system to make their own, customized training materials.
By developing targeted, customized software simulations, the trainers no longer needed to transport the actual, physical computer equipment; they only needed the software simulations produced with the configurator kit that I developed, which they could run from any laptop computer, connected to a small, portable LCD projector. The output also allowed the trainers to automatically print supporting training materials for their audiences.
Challenge
Create context-based video EPSS (Electronic Performance Support System) for internal corporate global sales and technical support database system that supports desktop and mobile device platforms. Train non-technical training staff how to create, upload and catalog video job aids into the EPSS.
Solution
Design and produce a series of short, chunked Camtasia video performance support job aids. Develop RoboHelp indexing system to integrate Camtasia video job aids into Web based enterprise-wide sales and customer support system. Program prototype client side JavaScript search engine for Camtasia videos. Develop and document workflow to delegate video capture to subject matter experts, using less expensive SnagIt licenses. Funnel captured mp4 videos to lead instructional designer, to edit and publish with Camtasia.
Challenge
Develop Division-Wide Web Based Training that accommodates multiple audiences who have varying experience and skills.
Solution
Design adaptive course structure that ensures a uniform performance level, upon completion. Using adaptive menu control logic and branching with conditional programming variables, the Captivate courses provide an engaging solution, with test-out options for advanced users who can pass an initial screening exam. The initial exam also provides a programmatic gap analysis for participants, to offer a more customized user experience.
Challenge
Cultivate IT staff awareness of SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), which, as a part of utility system infrastructure, tend to be outside the scope of “regular” IT business operations and support.
Solution
Based on ADDIE principles (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), develop a 20 minute LMS/intranet hosted Captivate/Flash video course with final assessment that introduces a high level view of SCADA technology concepts and real life scenarios for IT audiences.
Establish learning objectives, based on identified organizational knowledge gaps, through a series of discussions with business units.
Include an interview with a field engineer, who describes a practical situation in which SCADA is a critical part of the utility infrastructure.
Topics include:
• The “Last Mile” of data connections
• System Redundancy
• Incident Management
• Security
• Awareness: How does your role connect to SCADA?
• Summary
• Quiz
Sample review question:
What was SCADA’s traditional security strategy?
a. Security through strength
b. Security through integrity
c. Security through obscurity
d. Security through intelligence
Challenge
In less than one month, as part of an overall eighteen month project, ramp up and align skill set of entry level staff of main team and several subcontractor teams (approximately 50 developers, total) to convert over 1400 legacy Macintosh based Authorware courses to OutStart Studio Web Based LCMS. Also ramp up and align skill set of Flash developer specialist teams.
Solution
Develop and document course conversion processes. Develop technical and process training materials for internal and subcontractor production teams. Review and assure the written work quality of the Flash developers and OutStart Studio developers. Deliver classroom and on-the-job staff and subcontractor training. Develop DHTML/JavaScript/Flash templates/software components as needed for production.
Challenge
With limited schedule and staff, produce over a hundred hours of training through a coordinated set of leader guides, participant guides, PowerPoints, and Articulate Storyline lessons for several lines of business at the same time.
Solution
Perform front-end analysis to identify training needs. Develop a learning content tracking spreadsheet system to collaborate with call center and product sales teams, subject matter experts and other stakeholders across several business lines, to establish project plans, programming workflows and learning strategies, including curriculum and deliverables lists with implementation timetables, etc. Apply the plan to develop and deliver a blended training solution of classroom materials and online courses developed with Articulate Storyline, Articulate 360, Leader Guide Pro, Adobe Creative Suite and other e-learning tools.