Carbon Footprint

[Susan Kaer]

I've just got back from a (fabulous!) trip to Melbourne, Australia, where I spent a couple of weeks with a great friend. It was my first trip outstide of Europe (yes, I know, unusual in this century but there you go!) so while it was a great experience, I'm now feeling very conscious of what I can do to cut my "carbon footprint" back down to size!

An initiative I started to implement just before I went away is delivering training via web/telephone conference. Now - before anybody shoots me down in flames! - I know there are some skills where the very best solution is a face to face workshop. I know there are also benefits to people physically getting away from the workplace for a day or longer to focus on their development. I also know that there is a lot of training which is delivered face to face which doesn't need to be, but that's the way we've always done it...

Many years ago I was involved in developing e-learning as part of blended learning solutions (when it was known as CBT and we talked about it as a pre-course module!) and I think e-learning had great promise. However, I know not all learners shared my enthusiasm. What happened when they had a question, and the pre-programmed "help" page didn't help? How do you keep focussed on the content when you can get away with not doing much more than click on "next" to get through a module? And that flexibility to do it whenever it's convenient is great...except with no commitment to a specific time and date it always seemed to keep slipping down the "to-do" list. Among the advantages of web seminars is the commitment to a time , and the tutor is online to answer questions, repeat a key point, give examples - just as in a face to face course. What is missing is the time and cost involved in travelling!

I've delivered training for one client using this method which has been really successful and cost effective, and I'm now developing further content. I could enthuse further, but I'd really be interested in hearing from others - is this an approach you are already using, or would you be interested in using it? I'd be interested in hearing from people who might be interested in being a "guest speaker" at a web seminar too. Let me know your views...

[Susan Kaer]

Thanks Barbara! I agree that combining face to face (so they know you're a real person) with phone backup (which is as convenient as it gets) has a lot of advantages. And of course the easier it is for people to participate in any development activity, the more likely they are to do so.

It would be good to chat some more...let's keep in touch!

Sue

[Barbara Hibbart]

Hi Sue

I was really interested to read your posting. Like you I am also interested in the carbon footprint concept and am 'doing my bit'.

The idea of phone based training really interests me. Like you I have been through the e-learning 'thing' and I have abandoned it on the basis of high input and unsatisfactory output.

I have been working as a training consultant for 15 years + and I am about to complete my training as an executive coach. I find the combination of training and coaching, though very different, often cross over. This combination works very effectively when phone based. I am finding that offering a choice of medium - phone or face to face is very positively received. The idea of face to face training followed by phone back up is also proving very popular.

If you are looking to develop this idea, create a forum etc I would be very interested in being involved.

If you would be interested in a phone chat, please call be on Tel : [phone]. I am based in Heathfield, East Sussex.

regards

Barbara Hibbart