My division is in the process of converting our paper guidelines to on-line. Has anyone had to train from on-line documentation? If so, what would you recommend in regard to: 1) how learners take notes (on paper or on-line) and 2) providing a paper copy in addition to the on-line version?

DI Trainer,
Can you provide more information? How is training being delivered? Is it instructor-led, but the learners are accessing information online?
Thanks.

Your right. Our training is instructor led with the learners using our reference material while in class. We have the capability of having the learners access the on-line information in our training room. The problem we're experiencing is in taking notes. In paper format, it was easy to suggest highlighting if something was important or in paper format the learners were easily able to jot down personal notes in the margin. With going on-line, I'm at a loss as to how the learners will be able to take notes while attending a training session. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Are you doing this exercise for compliance purposes or do you anticipate that users will want to learn how to perform their jobs via an online manual? Truth is, 80% of all learning for workforce performance is "informal" (outside the LMS, not in manuals, etc.). Studies show that this is not about the amount of information available, but rather ease of accessibility at the moment of need. We all know retention rates are miserable (87% of what someone learns is forgotten 30 days out). So, yes, document into an electronic training manual, but I would recommend you deploy that information in small bite size units of instruction that are available where users might be performing those functions.

I'm an end user assimilation consultant and I help companies bridge training to performance outcomes by introducing performance support solutions (EPSS). The approach is especially effective for software systems implementation or for process-laden initiatives. Too many steps, too much to remember - but it needs to be done correctly and promptly.

Good luck with your project.

Thanks,

Sean

s.reyes@learningguide.us