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Context sensitive learning from Trainer1

Trainer1 has developed a new just-in-time e-learning product called Context Sensitive Learning™ (CSL).

Once installed on the users computer, CSL monitors the screens the user has open and, when prompted by the user, will search and retrieve the relevant learning module that applies to the particular open screen.

"Until now, e-learning has been seen as a way of reducing the costs of delivering learning compared with classroom-based training while organisations also reap the benefits of making the learners learn in their own time", said Neil Lasher, Trainer1's managing director.

"However, this 'traditional' approach to positioning e-learning isn't working," he added. "E-learning completion rates are low and even the starting rates for such things as e-learning delivered compliance training are much lower than they should be.

"In addition, organisations have used facilities within e-learning, such as online assessment and testing, because they exist rather than because they are helpful. It's time to use e-learning to give the end users what they need at the moment they need it - which is what we've done in the case of CSL.

"In order to find out the information they need to do their job, many people have to log on to e-learning courses. They find what they are looking for and then leave the course - without doing a prescribed assessment and so, according to the organisation's learning management system, they have not 'completed' the course, although they have learnt what they needed to learn."

CSL gives users access to a 'mini-course' on a particular topic - known as a '2 minute module'™. These 2 minute modules are context sensitive - users are automatically provided with a module that relates directly to the screens that are open on the user's desktop at the time they ask for this learning.

"This is very different from the context sensitive help already found in many programs," said Lasher.

"CSL provides training materials rather than the pure information given through context sensitive help. It can be applied to any program running on the client machine including web based applications and bespoke created software.

"CSL provides the information people need without them needing to ask their neighbour or calling the helpdesk, thus reducing time wastage and reducing cost."

The learning materials that comprise these 2 minute modules are written by the user's organisation, following a five screen template developed by Trainer1. This is designed to ensure that the information they contain are applicable to those who will be using them as job aids.

"If an organisation wishes, it can link these 2 minute modules to its learning management or knowledge management system so that it can track users' access to these short, snappy job aids," added Lasher.

"An organisation that combines CSL with Trainer1's recently released knowledge management tool, Argonaut, along with an authoring tool, such as Lectora, to create the templates and content of the learning modules and a learning management system, such as Coursemill, to track usage, has - for the first time - a complete e-learning and e-information system."

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For more information about Trainer1 visit: www.trainer1.com

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