I’m pretty sure that online training isn’t going to go away even when some people return to the office. I have already evolved my workshops to several possibilities of “training”: Short-form webinar (20-60 minutes of me delivering content, minimum interaction) Longer-form offering where people (typically) learn at their own pace Self-study with some feedback from […]
I suggested that I see three kinds of people in online “workshops:” attendee, student, or participant. I want to design for the outcomes these people can expect. I first start with this question: Who does the teaching? Who Teaches Whom? We have a model of teacher-led teaching, in both in-person and online workshops. I prefer
In the Design the Webinar Experience post, I said breakout rooms take longer. It’s not just breakout rooms. Everything online takes longer. People need time to synch online that differs from in-person synchronization. (I’ll talk more about this when I talk about designing interactions.) That’s why I think differently about what I want in each
When I think of a training experience, I separate the training into these parts: The content I hope people will learn. This includes setting the context. The various interactions that will illuminate and reinforce the learning. How to wrap the experience so people get the most of it. I then need to think about which
When I design any form of training, I ask this question: What actions do I want people to take after the training? Do I want to offer principles? A vision of the future? Some possible actions? Maybe a blueprint for the future? How about practice with feedback? When I want to offer principles or a
I bet you’ve been in a class or a workshop over the past few weeks. You were a “participant” in a class that ranged from 20-2000 people. You didn’t find the class organization helpful. First, the trainer/leader lectured at you for an hour or more. Then, you got broken into working groups with too many
I keep hearing about the “Skills gap.” There is no skills gap. There is a gap between what employers want to pay and what people are willing to work for. I read an article this morning that prompted this post: Talk of a skills gap in the labor market is ‘an incredible cop out’ Let
I’ve lost count of the number of companies that don’t pay for training—or even provide tuition reimbursement. I also see too many organizations decide whom to hire based on technical skills. They don’t see the irony here. That means you’re responsible for your ongoing career development. And here’s the kicker: The more you learn and
My friend and colleague, Gil Broza, is interviewing me for his Individuals and Interactions virtual training event. My topic? “Focus Keeps You Going.” If you read my personal kanban series a couple of weeks ago, you saw how my focus kept me going. Even with a big interruption last week, due to a death in
Johanna’s New Year’s Tips For the past three years, I’ve shared three tips with you just in time for New Year’s. This year is no exception. 1. Make time for reflection and observation. I bet this week has been a pleasure for you. You’ve either had a more relaxed week at work, because fewer people