Learning design A quick overview of our work

PARTICIPACTION CONSULTING INC.306 Aspen PlaceAlexandria, VA 22305apianesi@participactioninc.com202-262-3371

Training design<

Look for this symbol in each section to return home.

Training Workshops

E-learning/Web Tutorials

Training Materials Development

Training of Trainers

Web Conferencing

The Best Trainers in the World…

Facilitating IT Project Communication

Facilitating Large Scale Change

IT Systems Implementation Training

Executive Retreats

Communications Materials

Training design<

TRAINING WORKSHOPS

We can help you with the design and delivery of training Workshops. What do people do when they don’t remember how to accomplish something using Word? Do they read the manual or ask one of their colleagues nearby? Do they call the trainer that taught in class? With ParticipAction’s training workshops, the learning environment of the class replicates the situation where the skill is really used.

Through the use of collaborative learning, we teach knowing that skills need to be analyzed, taught and evaluated as close as possible to the real environment where the skills “live”.

We offer training programs in the following areas: facilitation skills, customer service, negotiation skills, management and supervisory skills; team productivity; communication. All workshop are customized based on client’s specific needs.

Step 1Define Client Business Need

Step 2Assess Learning Needs/Resources Step 3

Draft Workshop Proposal Step 4

Incorporate Client’s Feedback

Step 5Design Pilot Materials

Step 6Deliver/Evaluate Workshop

Case study1 Case study2

Training design<

MANAGEMENT TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR SERCOWe have delivered several management training

sessions for the Consulting Services Division of

SERCO North America on subjects ranging from

facilitation training to leadership styles. All

workshops were based on solid ISD (Instructional

System Design) to ensure planned results.

Training design<

FACILITATION TRAINING WORKSHOP WITH JEAN PALMERParticipAction andJean Palmer Training for

Success and Excellence co-hosted a very

successful 3-day class on the main principles and

practices of Group Facilitation Meeting. Feedback

confirmed that participants loved the combined

use of Group-tasks (collaborative learning),

Hands-on practice (facilitation of practice

meetings), and Learning conversations, review

and reflections.

Training design<

E-LEARNING/WEB TUTORIALS

The use of the internet for communication and instructional purposes offers the great advantages of reach and ease of set up.

Whether the work needs to be communicated in the form of a presentation, as a project web-site with forums and pictures, as a survey, or simply as a an online guide, the internet is a powerful tool for distributing instruction, information and resources remotely.

In developing e-learning applications we like to ground the initiative to a clear project goal and to engage the client’s best thinking with ongoing feedback throughout the design process. Solid testing and communication activities to announce the online course are also critical.

Step 1Identify Business Needs

Step 2Analyze Budget/Delivery

Options Step 3

Design Solution Step 4

Distribute/Deploy Step 5

Support Use of New Application

Case study1 Case study2

Training design<

COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING FOR VARIOUS CLIENTSLeveraging the power of Computer-based Training

means creating powerful synergies with classroom

training sessions by delivering content anywhere there is

an internet connection. Our ability to use several e-

learning software systems tools paired with instructional

design knowledge allow us to quickly and easily create

engaging courses, demos, presentations, and

assessments.

Training design<

ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS, ON-LINE HELP FILES, WEB TUTORIALS for SIGMA-XISigma Xi was founded in 1886 and has nearly

65,000 members in over 100 countries around the

world. When a new association software was

implemented, more than 40 users relied on our on-

line help and web tutorials to get up to speed on the

new system. The new system today manages

virtually every aspect of Sigma-Xi work.

Training design<

TRAINING MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT

Our learning design is collaborative, creative and minimalistic.It focuses on the application out of the class of what is learned in class. The approach is people-friendly and, as such,each step of the design deals with the most common fears, anxieties people face when learning something new. Our collaborative learning design is:

- Action-oriented and hands-on to prevent thoughts like, "I forgot what she said!"

- Customized to the audience context and tasks to prevent thoughts like, "Maybe this class is not for my level!”

- Relevant for the user to prevent thoughts like, "Will I ever use this?”

Our curricula are implemented collaboratively to prevent thoughts like, "I don’t know whom to ask if I don’t know!” and conceived creatively to prevent thoughts like “When can I get out of here?”

Step 1Define Purpose and Content

Step 2Analyze Participant/Stakeholder’s

Needs Step 3

Design Instructional Activities Step 4

Develop Materials Step 5

Coordinate Training Event Step 6

Deliver Training Step 7

Evaluate Learning

Case study

Training design<

TRAINING MATERIALS FOR ORACLE CRM RELEASES AT PBGCThe materials developed for six new system

releases of Oracle CRM – a $2 million software

implementation - impacted more than 800 end-

users of the Pension Benefit Guarantee

Corporation (PBGC). The implementations

involved a 100-person call center, 8 federal

divisions/offices and 11 field benefits offices

across the US.

CRM 2.0March 2005

Jan.24 - Feb.8, 2005PBGC Training Institute, Washington, DC

CRM 2.0 Training

Building a Better Connection!

Training design<

TRAINING OF TRAINERS

We can help you with the design and delivery of train-the-trainer Workshops. ’s train-the-trainer workshops delivers superb instruction that build capacity in organizations, and support the action of the newly trained with follow up activities and support.

Through the use of collaborative learning, we teach knowing that skills need to be analyzed, taught and evaluated as close as possible to the real environment where the skills “live”.

We offer train-the-trainer programs in the following areas: facilitation skills, customer service, negotiation skills, management and supervisory skills; team productivity; communication. All workshop are customized based on client’s specific needs and include the construction of a training portal for your organization’s new training ‘cadre’.

Step 1Define Client Business Need

Step 2Assess Learning Needs/Resources

Step 3Draft Workshop Proposal

Step 4Incorporate Client’s

Feedback Step 5

Design Pilot Materials Step 6

Deliver/Evaluate Workshop

Case study

Training design<

TRAIN-THE-TRAINER STRATEGY for YMCA of GREATER OMAHAWe met for three days with the YMCA trainers

supported by two instructional designers and a

typist. By the end of day three the participants

had designed their own custom-made learning

activities ready to be used across all YMCA

branches for their classes. This Materials

Development Workshop was a cheaper/more

effective alternative to expensive custom training

materials development. Furthermore our

innovative approach had buy-in built into the

process!

Training design<

WEB CONFERENCING

Through the use of WebEx Training Center™ we have delivered communication and training to employees, customers, and partners anywhere there is an internet connection and a phone.

Our experience with this technology engages learners in a rich online classroom, capturing their attention with live, interactive training in a virtual classroom where we make full use of testing, breakout sessions, and hands-on lab access.

Web Conferencing allows to provide training to a vast user base for a fraction of the cost of comparable similar initiatives. Leveraging the power of this tool delivers personalized attention without the cost and delay of travel - and keep them current during a variety of corporate initiatives.

With training budgets lowered and complexity increasing, WEBEX can be a powerful way to do much more with less: support as many people’s learning process as possible while limiting their time away from the office.

Step 1Announce Initiative

Step 2Prepare Materials for Session

Step 3Design Email invitation

Step 4Communicate Link or Web

Site Step 5Implement

Case study

Training design<

WEBEX SESSIONS FOR VARIOUS CLIENTSWe have integrated Web conferencing as part of

the larger instructional strategy for various

clients. By using experiential activities, music

and inquiry teaching skills we have transferred

into the WEBEX virtual classroom environment

the active engagement of classroom sessions.

More importantly, we have avoided the

prevalent “lecture mode” of many of today’s

Web-inars that turns so many people against

this new technology.”

Training design<

Training design<

FACILITATING IT PROJECTS COMMUNICATION(SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS / DESIGN SESSIONS FOR SOFTWARE PROJECTS)

In a complex software integration project the combined changes to people’s skills, business process re-design and technology can be hard to tame. Meetings can help in the critical and complex phases of design and requirements with the skills of meeting facilitation.

A professionally facilitated Design or Requirement Workshop is a proven method for getting the right design feedback or requirements, fast, while building a positive and healthy project community.

Through the skillful use of the project’s most precious resources - the community of the users, the developers and the stakeholders - these meetings allow teams to manage complexity leveraging information and solving problems from multiple perspectives.

Step 1Collect Client Information

Step 2Define Business Case

Step 3Analyze Context/Users

Step 4Propose Meeting/Schedule

Step 5Design Meeting Materials

Step 6Conduct Meeting

Case study

Training design<

Meeting Objective: The purpose of this meeting is: To get the input of trainees supervisors before the training designTo make training decisions about class participants in each training sessionTo define a schedule for budgeted classroom sessions

Meeting Location: Client’s Office

Meeting Date: 60 days before training

Deliverable: Tentative classroom training schedule

Attendees: Project team, directors, supervisors of all trainees

TASK DURATION

EXPECTED OUTCOME

1.Introductions: Warm-up and Review. What is the Members Only Software Training?

10 min.

Group readiness

1.Training needs definition. What skills will these individuals need to have to perform their job?

55 min.

Determine who needs to learn what skills

1.Session assignments adjustments. What needs to be changed?

15 min.

Decision on miscellaneous issues of identified training sessions and participants

1.Tentative training schedule. What dates are we planning to deliver these skills to this group of trainees ?

15 min.

Tentative Training Schedule

1.Conclusions: meeting review and evaluation.

15 min.

Feedback for quality and continuous improvement

MEETING MATERIALS FOR IT PROJECTS AT MEMBERS ONLY SOFTWAREIn absence of a full scale testing stage, we used

innovative meeting design for creative testing

sessions to elicit everyone’s best input and

involve the user’s community. The process tested

the system quality while integrating it within the

organization’s business process.

Training design<

FACILITATING LARGE SCALE CHANGE

When ParticipAction supports organization change we work at designing conversations that reveal new beginnings through cultural engineering.

The process involves discovery, imagination and risk. We use a range of tools and techniques that may range from individual interviews, writing and conducting surveys, or bringing client staff together for focus groups or a retreat.

Approaches may address process modeling, systems thinking or action learning interventions. We might employ Open Space Technology, Conversation Café’ or another state-of-the-art approach to challenge and engage the “system”.

During the process, we start defining the change scope with the stakeholders, assess organizational climate and define objectives and goals in specific terms. Results are clear, manageable and self-sustaining.

Step 1Define Change Scope with

Stakeholders Step 2

Assess Organizational Climate Step 3

Define Objective/Stategy/Plans Step 4

Design/Develop Drive for Change

Step 5Focus on

Knowledge/Skills/Attitudes Step 6

Communicate Support Change Roll-out

Step 7Communicate/Assess Lessons

Learned

Case study

Training design<

Meeting Objective: The purpose of this meeting is: To get the input of trainees’ supervisors before the training designTo make training decisions about class participants in each training sessionTo define a schedule for budgeted classroom sessions

Meeting Location: Client’s Office

Meeting Date: 60 days before training

Deliverable: Tentative classroom training schedule

Attendees: Project team, directors, supervisors of all trainees

TASK DURATION

EXPECTED OUTCOME

1.Introductions: Warm-up and Review. What is the Members Only Software Training?

10 min.

Group readiness

1.Training needs definition. What skills will these individuals need to have to perform their job?

55 min.

Determine who needs to learn what skills

1.Session assignments adjustments. What needs to be changed?

15 min.

Decision on miscellaneous issues of identified training sessions and participants

1.Tentative training schedule. What dates are we planning to deliver these skills to this group of trainees ?

15 min.

Tentative Training Schedule

1.Conclusions: meeting review and evaluation.

15 min.

Feedback for quality and continuous improvement

“WORLD CAFÉ” MEETINGS FOR KEANE IMPLEMENTATIONWith the background of music and an ambiance

resembling more one of a café’- tablecloth and coffee on

the tables - groups were asked to tackle important

system issues for a major new internal policy

implemented as a result of a new ERP system. These

conversation café’s-style sessions helped in the

complex task where traditional top-down processes had

failed.

Training design<

SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING

When implementing a new system, the focus is usually on the technology. However, unless organizations also provide their people with the skills and knowledge they need to use the new system, large technology investments can result in low productivity, frequent errors, and poor usability.

What if you anticipate not just a new technology, but a new way to work? What happen is you plan the integration of the technology with the internal business process and the delivery of proper skills to staff?

At ParticipAction, we help our clients look at the whole picture: people, processes, and technology. We design and deliver training and support tools that help end users understand how to do their jobs with the new system to ensure your implementation success.

Our solutions are designed to minimize errors, improve productivity through the full use of al new software features and minimize support time, often for geographically dispersed audiences.

Step 1Early Involvement in Systems

Design Step 2

Content Outline/Assessment of impact on Internal Business

Processes Step 3

Users’ Needs Analysis Focus groups Step 4

Training Strategy Design/Development

Step 5Set Up System/Data for Training

Session Step 6

Delivery of Training Sessions

Case study

Training design<

TRAINING STRATEGY FOR ORACLE CRM 2.0 IMPLEMENTATION AT PBGCThe Training best practices we introduced at the

Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation were adopted

by the federal agency. Our CRM 2.0 training plan

made such an impression that the agency included it

as a template for training initiatives in their Systems

Life Cycle Methodology (SLCM), the standards that

federal and contractors working at PBGC have to

follow when planning/executing training for new

systems.

Training design<

EXECUTIVE RETREATS/STRATEGIC PLANNING

ParticipAction can help design and facilitate off-site meetings in which a team reflects on how it is working, the challenges ahead, and how best to move forward.

Conversation as the medium of organizational intelligence sometimes does not produce movement. People continue to see things differently, the discussion becomes repetitive, or seeming agreements are not acted upon. We help important conversations go beyond where they otherwise bog down.

Well functioning leadership teams require dialogue competence to keep conversation moving and to improve insight. We help teams develop this competence in customized sessions using powerful experiential approaches such as Collaborative Inquiry or Graphic Facilitation.

Step 1Define Goal and Objectives

Step 2Define Strategy/Plans

Step 3Outline Proposed Agenda

Step 4Support Organizing

Committee Step 5

Finalize Logistics

Case study

Training design<

“LESSONS LEARNED” RETREAT WITH VARIOUS CLIENTSthe reflective conversations and participative

experiential activities of a multi-day retreat are

designed to have participants learn from past

experience. These events normally lead to

breakthroughs thinking on business issues while

building cohesive teams. A few results we helped

bring about with various clients include a new

internal policy on inter-team communication, an

action plan for the new fiscal year or a strategy

document drafted collaboratively.

Training design<

COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS

A good way to make sure people are on the same page when working on a multi-party project (with stakeholders, developers, business representatives, remote offices, etc.) is to develop communications material that can be easily shared across teams.

This work, often overlooked, can help document and explain the work ahead and provide a perspective on the entire project with easy to understand materials like: maps, white papers, press releases, promotional vouchers, course descriptions, photo albums of team accomplishments.

The objective is to make the complexity of the work needed either for a successful system rollout or for a major organizational initiative tangible and easy to understand .

Step 1Define Purpose and Content

Step 2Analyze Target Audience

Step 3Brainstorm Ideas

Step 4Design Media Mix

Step 5Design/Develop Materials

Step 6Broadcast Step 7

Evaluate Impact

Case study1 Case study2

Training design<

COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS for VARIOUS CLIENTSThe communications materials we developed for

various clients has helped them communicate

technical and non-technical information in a format

that is clear and easy to understand. Our finished

product includes both text, graphics, and activities

to reach the target audience speaking their

language to create understanding and inspire

action.

Training design<

FORUMS/YAHOO GROUPS/ON-LINE SURVEYS FOR THE WASHINGTON COMMITEE OF ITALIANS ABROAD:Our work with the DC Representation of Italian

nationals in the Washington area (COMITES)

resulted in the creation of web pages, internal e-

mail, surveys, chat rooms, bulletin boards and an

on-line forum. With the leadership of the Italian

Embassy in DC we were able to improve

communication of critical events with more than

3,000 people.