Training Online

Each month, we host a MaintainIT webinar for trainers. The goal is to help people think about how to use the MaintainIT resources in the training they are providing. We're hosting a train-the-trainer webinar tomorrow and in this one, we will focus on ideas for using MaintainIT resources in training that you provide online.

I asked a few librarian friends for their suggestions regarding online training. Max Anderson and David Lee King both replied with some excellent ideas. David even created a post over at his blog (thank you!). Max sent some great ideas in an email, including: 

* I think it's important to remember the medium.  The way a PowerPoint presentation is expressed in a face-to-face environment is perceived differently in an online environment. One solution I have implemented is to parse out my points on a particular slide to perhaps numerous slides. 
* Speed is something to consider also.  If you are showing a website and begin to scroll down, if you scroll too fast it can look awful to the attendees.  Also, being more explicit in describing your mouse movements is crucial, as well as making sure they know when they are supposed to be doing something and when they are supposed to just pay attention.
* Get to know the software used to teach online very well.  Be able to explain the tools from the attendees side.  Encourage as much interaction with the online service as it allows.

I have delivered presentations about the MaintainIT Project in face-to-face formats and online in webinars, too. I am always trying to find new ways, better ways, to deliver the information and create interactive learning experiences. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and to learning from others, too. If you're not able to attend the webinar, you can listen in later (we'll archive it). 

Let's start the discussion here! What are your tips, your questions, and your observations about delivering presentations and training online?  Even if you have not delivered information online, what are your observations as a participant?

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