Advanced Training Technologies

In Tomorrow’s Training Technologies Today, Judith Tigner, SirsiDynix Implementations Director, gave the COSUGI Executive Track a preview of their new Learning Management System (LMS). This is the marriage of the best of onsite training and distance learning. From years of experience, onsite provides the trainer with context and a real connection to the site and the particulars of a specific installation but offers too much content in too short a period of time. The result - you simply cannot reach everyone. Distance learning allows students to take classes as many times as needed working around schedules and with less expense but without the personal touch.

SirsiDynix will continue to offer direct, onsite training and will expand their instruction packet for Symphony (and eventually to Horizon) customers to include a hands-on lab, self paced sessions with practice time and study halls all under the LMS umbrella.

The Hands-On Lab enables the participant hands-on use of the software while the instructor observes each student’s screen as a window on a large monitor. There is no web-cam interface for facial expressions, but the instructor can see who is doing what and who might be encountering difficulties.

Self-paced training is created using Captivate and allows for interactive online training, as well as assessment and even a final score or grade for the session. Currently there are 86 self-paced sessions in the SirsiDynix training library available 24/7.

Symphony customers can also signup for a Practice Session using their own ILS with a SirsiDynix instructor knowledgeable about a topic and letting participants “play” in their own environment with offsite support. The Study Hall approach lets a customer “rent” time on a test server for independent study but with technical support on stand by to assist with any questions or difficulties.

Pricing for any of these services varies depending on what is needed and ranges from one-off class prices to a subscription that allows for a smorgasbord selection based on a library’s or consortium’s training needs.

The SirsiDynix LMS will serve as the training hub offering a variety of training modes and is in beta testing at this time. LMS is self-paced and lets students stop and re-join where they left off. Students will be able to print certificate and even get a transcript. The Manager Console enables supervisors to work with staff to set training goals and monitor individual progress, even link dates and goals.

Cross posted to SELCO Librarian