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Give Me In-Person Training

I will admit it, I’m tired of hearing speeches with PowerPoint presentations and the lights turned down low. I’m tired of society touting the fact that the wave of future is to learn via computer. Recently I attended a conference where I was to spend time “learning,” so I used it as my laboratory to see if I could figure out why technology didn’t work for me.

Name badge in place (On the right side in order to make it easier for people to read when shaking hands) I looked for the person standing alone. Went up to her and learned that she was freelance writer focusing on agriculture and woodworking. Two entirely different fields, yet through a “chance” introduction she began learning about the world of woodworking and now writes profiles about these skilled craftspeople.

Looking through the convention packet, I had the opportunity to choose from four different sessions scheduled at the same time. Finally, I chose the one on storytelling and making a point. Something that I new was effective for me, yet, I wanted to see if I could pick up some more tips. Fortunately for me, the speaker used “storytelling” to help discover how to get over writers block. More importantly for me, how to get moving on completing that all-important project. Since I have friends/colleagues breathing down my neck about finishing my book on networking I felt myself squirming in my seat.

Through the looks on his face and the body language of the people he chose to work with he proved his points. I was able to access the information at a very different level. I didn’t just have in front of me a computer screen with some words and graphics.

Since communication is 7 percent words, 38 percent tone and 55 percent body language I continue to have a hard time understanding why computer learning is being touted at the “new learning” way. Few people have the technology in their home to be able to “talk back” even if the instructor is live at the moment.

For many, computer learning is their preferred way. They don’t have to interact with other, it is immediate and in most cases they can work at their own pace. There often lies one of the problems. Employers are making available training via computers. Recently, I spoke at the SW Human Resource Management Association meeting. I asked how many had computer based training that they personally were suppose to be doing. A number of hands went up. I said “And how is that working for you?” The woman’s response was “How can we find time to do it? Now on top of everything else we are doing, we are suppose to complete this training.” For many who have a great deal of computer work, more training on a computer becomes a chore and even more importantly isolates them more from other human beings.

Our educational is system has certainly discovered that teaching everyone the same way has its pitfalls. We all do not learn in the same way. For employers who believe that they are enhancing their employees skills by all computer training, think again. Employees are complex human beings with needs and different learning modes. Ask them how they would prefer to receive new information.

I made new friends that day that will be helpful as I progress in my chosen career. My computer, while a provider of great information, needs me to tease the ideas out. Give me in-person training any day!

Kathy Condon is a Career Facilitator, International Speaker and Trainer. She works with individuals on all aspects of career transition, including the coaching of CEOs. Her newly released CDs/Tapes “Connect with People-It’s the Little Things” and her eBook, 55 Networking Tips, can be purchased here.