Bought a Computer, NOW What?

By Laura Noble

When you buy a new computer or new software, do you ask, "OK, now what do I do?" and then grumble, "I need training. I need HELP!" Then, is the next thought, "when, where, why, and how? If the answer is "yes" ponder the "3 W’s and the How" of software training.

• When: Set aside an appropriate amount of time. Be committed to training. Is training available to meet your organization’s time constraints? Example: evenings, Saturdays, weekdays, two hour/three hour sessions, seven hour sessions or ?
  
• Where: Decide where you would like the training conducted? At office, home, or training facility?
  
• Why: Utilizing the computer and its software to the best of its abilities will increase efficiency and productivity... not to mention decrease stress levels.
  
• How: Determine how you and your co-workers best learn. One-on-one training, group environment, half-day sessions, full-day session or ?
  

Now it’s time to venture out and find software training… but wait…

• Establish goals: Decide what is to be gained from the training. Example: Is building a complex spreadsheet the goal or simply filling in a spreadsheet?
  

Be confident that the software training will meet your unique goals.

• Flexibility requirements: If training is required for several people with varied skill levels and needs, can different training courses be designed to meet those various needs?
  
  
• Consider past training experiences: What was liked/disliked about the courses.
  

Example: Was it determined that after completing courses people couldn’t remember how to complete specific tasks covered in the training sessions? Were training sessions too long?

Will the training provide clear and concise handouts that will guide you in the right direction once the training is complete?

Can training be spread out over several days, if required?

• The Instructor(s): Will you and your co-workers have the same instructor for all courses, therefore, consistent training and also familiarity?
  
  
• Cost: Develop a realistic budget for training.
  

Determine what the training costs include: Will you need to hire "back-up" at your office while you and your co-workers are in training? Does the training costs include books? Handouts? Exercises? Administration and set up costs?

What are the costs for follow-up sessions?

Once these questions have been satisfactorily answered, it’s time to expand your computer skills and maybe even have some fun at the same time.

Laura Noble is the owner of Noble Software Solutions. She can be contacted at 519-680-2689 or by e-mail at lnoble@noblesoftwaresolutions.com. www.noblesoftwaresolutions.com

Published in Networking Today, May 2000