1. Appraisal Training…staying on track despite the budget cut train John Garner, Director Office of Right of Way Florida Department of Transportation

2. Budget Crunch Cuts of over $9 Billion from work program. Operating revenues steadily dropping. Legislative action Travel has to be “mission critical.” Travel for training specifically prohibited unless approved by Secretary of Transportation. Right of Way Training Program commitments.

3. The Old Way In the good old days we… Contracted out 10 appraisal courses (Appraisal Institute & IRWA) Supplemented with in-house courses based on case-studies Conducted courses in a central location (Orlando)…face to face Used available funds to train our staff to be on par with consultant appraisers with advanced designations.

4. The New Approach The way things are now…. 10 formerly contracted courses are being brought in-house Delivered by staff Via videoconferencing/webinar/CBT In-house courses are being modified and delivered via videoconference or webinar. Travel is limited to those courses deemed “mission critical”

5. How are we doing it? Reviewed objectives of contracted courses Wanted to develop or identify alternatives for in- house presentation. Instructor guides, syllabi, PowerPoint presentations, and exams were all available. Significant discounts were offered for orders of 10 or more texts. Leveraging current staff of well seasoned and experienced instructors.

6. First Steps Addressing immediate need for Appraisal Review Course.  Modified existing course for delivery via videoconference.  Eliminated group activities  Generally shortened presentation  Structured for individual responses  Arranged for course exams to be proctored in the District offices.

7. Initial Hurdles 1.Resistance from course participants. 2.Uncertainty of effectiveness from trainers. 3.Scheduling facilities and equipment at remote locations. 4.Unfamiliarity with equipment.

8. Other Hurdles Equipment problems Communication issues Distractions Less interaction Advanced concepts were difficult to convey

9. The Result Participants were more positive than expected. Course evaluations were excellent. –Participants were appreciative of training. 100% pass rate on the examination.

10. What is next? More Videoconference Courses Webinars Computer Based Training (CBT) A few advanced courses will continue to be face-to-face. –Advanced Appraisal Review Course

11. VideoConference Allows all parties to see and hear each other Sophisticated software and hardware Each location must be fully equipped Currently available –Central Office (4 Locations) –Each District Office (8)

12. VideoConference Effective for certain types of training. Instructor must press for involvement. Group activities require a local monitor. Examinations must be proctored locally

13. Webinar Internet based training –Each trainee must have a computer Can be live, recorded or combination Limited ability to monitor trainees Two-way communication is more limited Group activities are very difficult

14. Computer Based Training Can be web or CD based Very limited feedback capability Requires sophisticated course design Best for limited scope technical training

15. Questions, Qualms, Quibbles, Comments or Concerns?