I know a lot of you are consultants and complete training on 14001; but I would like to ask the following question anyway.

I have seen a lot of software packages for sale that claim to be great training tools for implementing a 14001 system. My question would be - Do you think a few days of live training is better than purchasing the software and having it all the time to reference too?

Some of the claims for the software seem to be good, but how reliable can some canned system be?

If there are good software packages out there what are some of them?

Please take a shot at these questions and let me know what you think. Thanks.

I know a lot of you are consultants and complete training on 14001; but I would like to ask the following question anyway.

I have seen a lot of software packages for sale that claim to be great training tools for implementing a 14001 system. My question would be - Do you think a few days of live training is better than purchasing the software and having it all the time to reference too?

Some of the claims for the software seem to be good, but how reliable can some canned system be?

If there are good software packages out there what are some of them?

Please take a shot at these questions and let me know what you think. Thanks.

As a trainer, I must say that the only worthwhile training is when I do the training! :eek:

Okay, okay... There are some advantages to both live and canned training. As you indicated, canned training can be used on an "as needed" basis. Some call it "instant" training. The major drawback is it usually does not allow any Q&A, or other feedback. Also, live training can be more easily tailored to your individual needs.

I personally like live better (even as a student). But I like the idea of being able to re-wind and replay a segment over a few hundred times until I understand it.

Perhaps a mix is best.

I agree with Dave, A mix is the best.

I use the following.

Managers: first time around live training and then review of the canned pres.

Groups: Use the tape with a manager their for Q & A.


Make sure the tape can be used for refresher and Orientation

I'm all for a mix....especially if the software or medium being used has been developed in-house. There are loads of presentations out there that offer to introduce your employees to ISO, your management to management review, your auditors to process auditing, and so on....but if the presentation has been developed in-house, well, then they leave the room knowing how the topic applies to them.

This is, for example, one reason why we do in-house Internal Auditor training. When I left the auditor training, even though it had been provided by an excellent instructor at a reputable organization, I left wondering out auditing impacted my company. There was never time to address all of my questions, because other people, in other industries, had the same questions...and sometimes the answers were different from industry to industry.

A standardized presentation ensure that all audiences receive the same information...that's the main plus to this style of presentation, in my opinion. Followed by cost. If all they do is sit and watch, additional resources (i.e., your time) aren't required.

But still...there is something to be said for the interaction with the instructor, the person who can answer their questions...or better yet, ask the audience questions, to get them them to think about the topic and how it applies to them.

I'm all for a mix....especially if the software or medium being used has been developed in-house. There are loads of presentations out there that offer to introduce your employees to ISO, your management to management review, your auditors to process auditing, and so on....but if the presentation has been developed in-house, well, then they leave the room knowing how the topic applies to them.
Yep, let's mix it :D . There is no reason not to use both computer aided and "live" learning.

Some links to similar threads:

ISO 9001:2000 E-Learning for people new to ISO 9000 (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=8110&highlight=e-learning)
Use of Computer Aided Learning for Quality Topics - E-Learning (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=4382&highlight=e-learning)
E-learning take 2... (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=5659&highlight=e-learning)

/Claes

It sounds like we are all in agreement on two points:

1) some form of mix gives the most flexibility
2) live training is best when I am the trainer


Okay, there may be a few who might take exception to point # 2 :nope:

We are training an internal auditor this year and I have recommended that she take some intro classes via the internet but I did speak to her and assess her learning style prior to this recommendation. Some people are able to do independent study without any problem while others require the interaction with the instructor.

I have recommended that the actual Internal Auditor class be Instructor led because of the volume of information.

Has anyone taken any of the classes offered by the institute that does the ISO 9001:2000 E-learning for people new to ISO? If so, how would you rate the training? In particular, I am looking at using the ISO 9000:2000 and/or the ISO 9000:2000 as a prerequisite for our new Internal Auditor.

I actually did my 9K auditor transition training with an online e-course developed by TUV..the whole thing was about $199 and the RAB buys off on it.

I agree with much of what the previous replies have stated regarding pros and cons of live vs. software training, and the benefits of mixing the types of training. As you noted, several software options are available as well (though the quality varies widely). Also, many firms and individual consultants are available that can provide excellent live training (some of whom may be members of this forum).

Although live training is often viewed as the most effective but more expensive option (assuming a good trainer and consistency in information delivery), it is possible to design software training that is not passive (i.e., actively engages users) and that can be customized to specific applications which can be nearly equivalent to good live training (but at less cost in terms money & resources).

I work for an environmental consulting firm, and we offer both live and computer-based training options. With our computer-based training, we design programs that require user interaction & activities in order to keep the user engaged and to ensure that they have understood the key concepts (hopefully users also find these interactions to be fun too). Although I may be biased (smile), I believe that the interactions make this type of training more effective than the the typical computer or video training products out there. Also, this type of computer training is paced according to the individual needs of the user (vs. the "average" of the live class). We offer both custom and non-custom computer based training products -- if interested, more info and demo are available at http://www.capaccio.com/Tools/CBET_Info.htm

Some considerations when you are deciding on the type of training method include: objectives of the training, the complexity of the topic, quality of available training options, and available resources & budget. Whether you choose live or computer-based training, the applicablity of the content and the quality of the training is important. Before selecting a trainer or training product, you may want to ask for references from the provider so that you can get some feedback from someone who has actually used the product (perhaps forum members who have used specific software/training can provide feedback via this thread).

Welcome to the Cove, LWilk! :bigwave:

Thanks for the welcome RCBeyette! It looks like a great group.

Thanks for the welcome RCBeyette! It looks like a great group.It is. And here is a (somewhat belated) welcome from me as well. Hope you'll like it here :bigwave:

/Claes

:agree1: A big welcome from me as well. This is by far the best Quality Resource available and the people that are members are very helpful.