Links: Prev Section Next Section Top
The training required for electronic conferencing covers the three major aspects in each communications mode: tool installation, tool operation and familiarization, and meeting fundamentals. Although it is possible for someone who is already experienced in the tool used for a type of meeting (for example, IRC for synchronous meetings) to participate in a meeting without any training at all, it is preferred that all users take at least the Meeting Fundamentals training. A fourth level of training is also available for meeting facilitators. This training is structured in two levels: basic facilitator for synchronous and asynchronous meeting facilitation, and advanced facilitator for synchronous brainstorming.
| Chart of training levels: | ||||
| Tool Installation | Tool Operation and Familiarization | Meeting Fundamentals | Basic Facilitator | Advanced Facilitator |
| Basic how-to: Only needed if user has not installed tool and is not familiar with its installation. | Designed to familiarize the user with the setup and basic operation of the tool without concentrating on meeting usage. Also optional if user is already experienced with the particular tool. | Required of all users. Teaches the proper usage of the tool for the intended meeting type. Covers proper protocol, symbols and abbreviations, and meeting preparation. | Teaches the skills and protocols to not only control the hardware channel (e.g. IRC channel for synch or brainstorming meetings), but guiding the flow of the meeting and enforcing proper meeting protocol. | Builds on Basic Facilitator course by adding skills to collect, store, and forward ideas for the meeting using multitasking techniques. |
| For New Users Only | For All Users | Facilitators Only | ||
Training for new users begins with how-to's for the installation, setup, and basic operation of the software tools. This training is typically included either with the product or is developed and provided by the E-conferencing Tools Team. Links to online resources are included in the tools chart in Appendix 2.
The primary training course is Meeting Fundamentals. It teaches the proper usage of the tool along with meeting preparation, proper protocol, syntax and acceptable abbreviations. In order to assure the maximum benefit and efficiency from electronic conferencing, this course is required of all participants regardless of experience. This course presently consists of a reading of the chapter "Description" (desc.html) and the participation in a premeeting familiarization activity with the tools (or 'lurking' in a meeting other than your own to see the dynamics of interaction in this new medium. The group has a training coordinator (c.j.lord@ieee.org ) who is available to assist you and your group in coming up to speed in this new environment.)
Detailed training will be available for those individuals that will be facilitating electronic conferences. Skills to be taught include scheduling, meeting preparation and participant coaching, protocol and meeting flow control, and channel control for synchronous meetings. An advanced course will be developed to teach the multitasking skills necessary to facilitate brainstorming sessions.
|
Links: Prev Section
Next Section
Top
|
|