1 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Strategic Staff Development for the Web-enabled Organisation Dave Hartland © Netskills, Quality Internet Training University of Newcastle Netskills is a trademark of Netskills, University of Newcastle.

2 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Introduction Transforming The Organisation “…how our institutions' working practices and organisational structures may need to be transformed in order to make best use of the Web.” The Web is changing every aspect of institutional life This should include staff development and training – particularly in relation to the web and all the processes and system it supports But is this happening?

3 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle “Every” aspect of institutional life? External relations/marketing/publicity Teaching and learning Research Management Information Systems Library services Department intranets Student support Documentation E-commerce

4 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Do we have a problem? Does your institution have everything that is required in place to train and support the web services providers, the information providers and the users/customers? Straw poll of 15 institutions no-one answered “yes”. A few thought they were getting close.

5 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Who needs training? Almost everyone! Technical staff Information managers Information providers Clerical staff Administrators Teaching staff Students Senior management

6 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle What skills are required? Information management Information literacy Wide range of technologies: Software (operating systems, web server, databases, CMS systems, networks, etc) Accessibility Metadata Images, multimedia Design and graphics Content creation Etc, etc

7 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Who’s responsible? Staff development unit E-learning unit Information systems External relations IT services Departments and faculties Senior management No-one

8 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle What’s happening at the moment? Adhoc courses and programmes In house workshops/seminars External providers Online courses Documentation RTFM Consultancy style support

9 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Is it important? The Web is mission critical… … but what about the training and staff development? Staff development programmes can help with: Staff retention Career development Changing technologies and structures Integration of systems Achieving institutional goals

10 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Robustness of service Cost savings Improved efficiency Initiative from knowledgeable staff Core Web teams are starting to gain recognition…. …but often better programmes for “Planning for Retirement” then for maintaining the web systems and content

11 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Is there advice and help available? Other institutions Case studies Advice and guidance from national organisations: JISC services Professional bodies Training and staff development organisations Commercial training providers UCISA UKERNA etc

12 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle What will make it happen? JISC Study on Staff Development Drivers (Higher Education Consultancy Group) Establish 6 main types of driver: External Personal Infrastructional User/customer Role/professional At least two needed for successful programme Sometimes drivers in conflict

13 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle A Strategic Approach Integrated programme providing appropriate level of training for appropriate staff at appropriate time Clear drivers behind the strategy Combines: Needs analysis/diagnostic testing Face-to-face workshops Online courses

14 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Paper documentation Ongoing support Accreditation Services and units working together Using the technology – possibly learning environment based courses and support Special events – staff development/training days/weeks

15 © Netskills Quality Internet Training, University of Newcastle Summary Importance of staff/development and training needs to be recognised in relation to web systems Needs to be a strategic approach with management support Bring together groups/units with in institution National web managers community can help each other Share advice and support Produce sample strategies Look at the issue of accreditation