Training the Class of 2007: SkillSoft Offers Five Tips for Delivering a Dynamic, Engaging Learning Experience
Developing and Honing the Skills of Graduates Entering the Workforce Requires a New Approach to Training and Development
Nashua, N.H., June 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With a new crop of graduates around the country entering the workforce for the first time, SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL), a leading provider of e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses, today outlined five tips for effectively training the Class of 2007.
The learning styles and habits of this generation have been strongly affected by a number of factors, including their vast experience using technology, their constant bombardment by rich, multimedia content and the seemingly effortless way in which they multitask while using a diverse range of digital media. As a result, in order to build the necessary foundation in job skill proficiency, while successfully cultivating the leaders of tomorrow, SkillSoft recommends that businesses provide the Class of 2007 with learning experiences that are:
1. "Multiple-media"-driven - Because the Class of 2007 grew up with
televisions, computers, video games, DVDs and personal music devices,
their brains are wired to receive visual and audio stimulation, often
coming from multiple sources simultaneously. Raised on the
sophisticated programming techniques of television and video games,
they have high expectations for all forms of communication and expect
highly produced, entertaining experiences. While not all training can
or should be created with entertainment value as a primary objective,
it is a good practice to intersperse multimedia learning and training
resources that incorporate graphics, audio and video in addition to
standard text.
2. Interactive - Recent graduates entering the workforce expect
interactivity as part of their learning experiences, whether it takes
place in the classroom or online. As a result, static PowerPoint
presentations, packets of handouts and lectures no longer are the best
way to deliver information/learning. Companies that want to engage
their young employees should supplement static training with
simulations and other forms of learning that require active
participation. Multi-path gaming techniques, for instance, put
learners in control, enabling them to freely navigate a simulated
workplace (complete with virtual colleagues, ringing telephones and
documents on the desktop) to analyze and solve business problems.
Virtual classroom sessions can also be used to bring together groups of
learners to interact and discuss topics that have been covered in
online self-study.
3. On-Demand - At their peak while multitasking, this generation doesn't
have the interest or attention span to sit through an entire course
from beginning to end. Instead, they prefer to learn by consuming
small, digestible bits of information - a section of an e-learning
course, a specific chapter within a reference work or a two- to three-
minute video. Organizations can cater to their comfort by making these
various learning assets available on-demand. Supported by strong
search functionality, employees can easily pinpoint exactly the
information they need, precisely at the moment they need it.
4. Integrated - While classroom training will always have a role in
professional development, learning, for the most part, should not be a
discrete event that removes employees from the workplace. Rather,
organizations should bring learning to the learners, making it an
inherent part of the workday that is easily accessible via the
corporate intranet or portal. This affords employees the flexibility
to pick and choose, cafeteria style, the exact combination of
information resources they need for the work at hand, ensuring greater
retention, productivity and improved performance.
5. Mobile - Constantly on the go, this generation is reliant upon portable
devices like cell phones, Blackberry(R) and Treo(R) to do everything
from making phone calls and checking email to browsing the internet and
playing games. Organizations can take advantage of the growing
ubiquity of portable devices to make learning assets that were
traditionally only available at the office accessible to workers,
regardless of their location, so that they can capitalize on downtime
to develop new competencies or hone existing skills. In addition,
podcasts provide another effective mechanism for learning on the go, as
information on business issues, trends and initiatives can be
downloaded to laptops, iPods and other MP3 players for quick, easy
consumption.
"We congratulate the Class of 2007 for all of their hard work and accomplishments," said John Ambrose, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development and Emerging Business. "As these graduates enter the workforce and begin the next chapter of their lives, learning will play an even more critical role in their continued development and success. Recognizing the unique learning needs and preferences of this generation, SkillSoft continues to develop innovative new products and an extensive library of rich learning assets, enabling businesses to provide employees at all levels with dynamic, engaging learning experiences."
About SkillSoft
SkillSoft PLC (Nasdaq: SKIL) is a leading provider of e-learning and performance support solutions for global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses. SkillSoft enables business organizations to maximize business performance through a combination of comprehensive e- learning content, online information resources, flexible learning technologies and support services.
Content offerings include business, IT, desktop, compliance and consumer/SMB courseware collections, as well as complementary content assets such as Leadership Development Channel video products, KnowledgeCenter(TM) portals, virtual instructor-led training services and online mentoring services. The Books24x7(R) division offers online access to more than 15,000 digitized IT and business books, as well as book summaries and executive reports. Technology offerings include the SkillPort(R) learning management system, Search-and-Learn(R)(R), SkillSoft(R)(R) Dialogue(TM) virtual classroom, and SkillView(R) competency management software.
SkillSoft courseware content described herein is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice. SkillSoft has no obligation or commitment to develop or deliver any future release, upgrade, feature, enhancement or function described in this press release except as specifically set forth in a written agreement.
SkillSoft, the SkillSoft logo, SkillPort, Search-and-Learn, SkillChoice, Books24x7, ITPro, BusinessPro, OfficeEssentials, GovEssentials, EngineeringPro, FinancePro, AnalystPerspectives ExecSummaries, ExecBlueprints, Express Guide and Dialogue are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft PLC in the United States and certain other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contacts:
Donna Keenan Ed Hadley
SkillSoft PAN Communications, Inc.
603.821.3211 978.474.1900
Donna_Keenan@SkillSoft.com SkillSoft@pancomm.com
SOURCE SkillSoft PLC
Released June 5, 2007