Enterprise software training in a 2.0 world

Enterprise-wide software training solutions need to be re-evaluated in a 2.0 world. As the definitions of the learner and the learning experience change with elearning 2.0 and Web 2.0, we must look at the state and sophistication of available solutions that help rapid development and deployment of software training enterprise-wide.

There are many automated tool-sets available such as those from Epiance, RWD and OnDemand that understand the nature of challenges that Learning and Development (L&D) professionals face in rolling out enterprise wide software training. The solutions cover the following aspects of the training:

• Real-life immersion through simulations based learning
• Process flows coverage
• User tracking and reporting
• Rapid development
• Efficient Change management
• Integration with target software system
• Multilingual support
• Just-in-time access and availability of content
• Employee Performance Support (EPSS)
• Usage and performance tracking
• Compliance and best practices tracking

In a 2.0 world, we must enhance software training solutions with the use of the following:

• Learner collaboration including multi-user workflow simulations and shared experiences
• Capability to leverage organizational best practices through shared participation and collective insight
• Manage effective propagation of change through collaborative processes rather than the standard push
• High level of learner engagement with creative variations in interactivity and engagement particularly in the level of immersion
• Integration with non-software processes viz. manual tasks such as verifying an application form or skills for communicating with customers that form an integral part of the customer response in any scenario