Nancy R. Heineke, BSEd, Scientific Technologies Corporation, 4400 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 705, Tucson, AZ 85711, 216-741-6065, nancy_Heineke@stchome.com

Computer technology is in popular demand to serve as unparalleled business solutions for private and public health-oriented arenas. Technical applications are being exalted by local, state and federal health departments. Databases and departments are merging in a new way, enhancing health and welfare. Ironically though, these exact same wonderful solutions can also be a direct source of frustration.

Frustration happens when knowledge and skills aren’t properly transferred from the technical developer (computer programmer) to the every day user (worker). Integrating new applications successfully requires on-going training as a necessary part of most every business practice - private and public. Workers become students as software and new technology are introduced into the workplace. But workers – usually adults who have been away from “traditional” schooling for some time – can be challenging to teach.

A well designed training program pays for itself and increases the bottom line. Training experts suggest to employers to “do it right the first time.” The key to knowledge-transfer in a business setting is to provide learning opportunities that are; efficient, effective and appropriate.

Appropriate training takes into consideration the student’s learning style. Adults learn differently than children and teens. Adults are self-reliant and want well-organized lessons. Trainers must either understand these differences when designing their courses or risk teaching by default. Trainers who doesn’t consciously incorporate adult learning methodologies into their program will by default incorporate styles that were used on them as children. A sure way to become quickly unsuccessful in the adult classroom.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to;
• Identify the critical components of successful technical training.
• Identify learning characteristics specific to adults.
• Describe various training methods and associated benefits and disadvantages of each.
• Develop an appropriate training plan for their organization.

Keywords: Teaching, Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.