Using Basic Digital Media Tools for Training Employees Andy Curran, M.Ed. Karen Lankisch, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati

Media 2.0 Employees can create their own content Training costs lowered over time Text Video Audio Graphics Animations Hybrid – Webpages – Multimedia slide shows 5/26/20162Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati

Pros & Cons of Self-Production Pros – Cheaper than 3 rd party (long-term) – “Just-in-time” – Distribute to remote locations – Familiar with company’s culture Cons – Inexperience? – Time to train trainers 5/26/20163Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati

Media Category Breakdown Photography – Inexpensive, accessible, realistic Illustrations (art, maps, charts) – Inexpensive, accessible, shows difficult concepts, visualizes data, artistic talent Video – Most expensive, realistic, good for demonstrations, large files, long upload time, difficult to master 5/26/20164Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati

Media Category Breakdown Animation – Inexpensive, shows difficult concepts, difficult to master, difficult to master Text – Easiest to produce, detailed explanations, can be boring Audio – Inexpensive, accessible, easy to produce, good speaker Hybrid/Combination – Addresses different styles of presenting & learning 5/26/20165Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati

Planning & Organizing Equipment purchase – Start inexpensive & small inventory Software – Look for freeware Adequate time to train trainers Approach slowly – A few modules first, then expand Keep content of modules manageable 5/26/20166Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati

Employee Buy-In First modules need to be well-received – Interesting – Brief – Relevant First impressions! Full paper in conference proceedings 5/26/20167Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati

Demonstration/Participation Audio – Volunteers to record & upload Video – Volunteers to be talent, videographer, editor, uploader 5/26/20168Curran/Lankisch...University of Cincinnati