Book Image

User Training for Busy Programmers

By : William Rice
Book Image

User Training for Busy Programmers

By: William Rice

Overview of this book

If you need to write a successful software training course and are unsure of how to start, then this book gets right to the point with clear, concise directions for developing an end-user software course. This step-by-step job aid walks you through the process of developing a successful, instructor-led software class. There are many good books on training theory. This book takes a more practical, condensed approach for when you don't have time to learn training theory. It is based on fifteen years of technical writing and training experience. In under 100 pages, the book guides you through the process of developing an end-user software course using a method that is tested, proven, and based upon sound instructional theory.
Table of Contents (13 chapters)

Presenting your Course


A complete course in public speaking is beyond the scope of this document. However, there are a few important points to remember when presenting a software class.

Note

There are many excellent web articles that deal with general presentation skills. For some clear, punchy articles on the subject try the Marketing Professionals web site (www.marketingprofs.com).

First, keep the tone of the class consultative. Instead of assuming the attitude of "I am the instructor and I am teaching these students this material", assume the attitude of "I am a consultant who is teaching my clients to solve this business problem". You’re not teaching a class; you’re leading a work session. This consultative attitude is very effective at winning over your students. It conveys a sense of professionalism and caring about their needs.

Second, don’t be afraid to answer a question with, "I don’t know. I’ll research the answer and get back to you." If possible, find out the answers to questions...