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Changing
By Jim Preen
the way we work
As companies look to cut costs but widen their reach,
the internet is providing some new approaches
Paul Gambles delivers a seminar to AustCham
A
Paul Gambles delivers a Webinar
s the Managing Partner at MBMG Group,
Paul Gambles has many years of experience
delivering seminars and addressing live audiences.
But one of his most recent presentations was a
completely new experience – not least because
some of the delegates could, for all he knew, have
been sitting there in their pyjamas!
Paul felt entirely comfortable with the subject of
his talk (the current state of the Australian economy
and the countr y ’s effor ts to overcome the
financial downturn) it was the method of delivery
that was different. It was a webinar.
For those not in the know a webinar is a seminar
presented, delivered and attended entirely over the
internet.
An invisible audience
Paul recalls: ‘I had already delivered this seminar to
a live audience at an AustCham Thailand lunch event
so I could see the people listening to me and judging
their response. But at the webinar, the delegates could
see me but I couldn’t see them.’
With travel budgets slashed webinars are
becoming an increasingly popular business tool.
Presenters can interact with people without leaving
the office and delegates can attend from all over the
world.
Typically webinars are also recorded so people
unable to attend the event can view them later. For
Paul’s presentation, people logged on from across
region from as far afield as Singapore, Thailand,
Australia, Japan and Hong Kong.
To view the presentation now and find out what
the future may hold for the Australian economy,
currency, equities and property market, simply visit
the URL http://www.InstantPresenter.com /
AustChamThailand/EA59DF8782 where you just
have to key in your name and email address.
Interactive experience
Transmitted via a relatively fast broadband
connection, the web audience was able to see a
small live picture of Paul in the top left hand corner
of their screen. PowerPoint slides, which he
controlled, took centre stage.
At the bottom of the screen was the interactive
element – a chat box where delegates were able to
post questions or remarks. A device familiar to
anyone who uses Skype or MSN chat. This aspect of
the computer software came into its own at the end
of the talk when Paul invited questions.
The world of work has been revolutionised by the
computer and the webinar is just one example. For
many companies conducting in-house classroom
training is a thing of the past with Computer Based
Training (CBT) the way forward.
Training transformed
CBT has been around for over 10 years but
only recently have technological advances made it
affordable, accessible and easy to use.
One of the key drivers has been the almost universal
adoption of broadband internet connections by the
business community, with Web-based training
quickly becoming the fastest-growing segment of
the CBT market.
The great thing about CBT is its flexibility. In the
past classroom training demanded a trainer, a room
in which to work, classroom materials and enough
delegates able to attend to make the event
worthwhile. That’s all changed. Now the delegates
call the shots and can access the training at their
convenience.
Accelerated pace
Computer training generally takes less time
than classroom training. Some studies have shown
it can reduce training time by between 40-60 per
cent.
Programmes can be targeted at particular
individuals. So instead of staff sitting through a
whole day’s training, a half-day focused on
employees specific needs will accelerate learning.
Another bonus is that it allows students to work at
their own pace.
Although there are many different types of CBT a
simple divide is between those courses that are
interactive and those that are not.
An interactive course has a lot going for it. It draws
delegates in and makes them feel part of the learning
process - work can be submitted and questions
asked throughout the training.
Nomadic learning
CBT that has no interactive element has its
advantages too. This is sometimes called ‘nomadic
learning’ as students typically transfer the course
onto their iPod or music player and are able to learn
on the move – in a taxi or on the train to work. The
ultimate example of training as a moveable feast.
CBT and webinars are exciting alternatives to the
more traditional forms of training and speaking. They
can save your company time and money, can be
very attractive to your staff and of course your
customers.
Technology traps
This owes a great deal to the level of preparation.
Shane Torr, the outgoing AustCham President and a
Consultant with ISM Technology Recruitment made
the point that 'For webinars and interactive training
it is essential that all things technical are tried and
tested and tested again. The technology has to be
understood, mastered and made to work. Because,
put simply, no matter how brilliant the speaker’s
thoughts or the trainer’s ideas – if they can’t be heard
they haven’t been made.’
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