Training

Training —

We offer one and two day training courses in all the software we sell. Who should attend? While the hands-on portion of the training is intended for users, the demonstration on the first day should also be considered for those more peripherally, or potentially, involved with polling software.

Typical training scenario

The first morning of training begins with a live meeting, during which participants will see how the software works in a meeting, and ways of using it in various applications. Anyone who might be planning on using polling software for any application (control self assessment, evaluations, focus groups, planning and budgeting meetings), or for whom it might even be a possibility, or who wants to know what it's about, should attend this initial part. This session is also an opportunity to 'sell' the polling software concept to other parts of the organization (who may only be meeting attendees), should you see this as desirable. This demonstration session will last about 1.5 hours. This section can have as many people as you have keypads with your system. (There is no additional cost for 'non-students' attending this part of the training. The trainer can bring additional keypads if needed.) All those attending the hands-on training should, of course, attend this interactive demonstration.

Then we reduce the numbers for the hands-on training for the remainder of that day and the next. Class size for the hands-on training is generally up to six participants. The client provides a room with computers (preferably one per student, but at least one computer for every two participants); and a presentation system (projection device or large-screen monitor). The client's keypad system should be available during the training. The trainer brings his/her own computer.

The hands-on portion should be attended by anyone who is actually going to have to operate the software during a meeting, anyone who is going to have to build polling applications sessions on the software, or anyone who is going to be designing the operator role for the meeting. It is also often helpful for those who are designing the overall meeting process to have a good understandingby attending the initial demonstration at a minimum. No prior knowledge or experience with the polling software is required, although attendees may have meeting design and/or facilitation experience.

The training includes opportunities to work with the actual equipment – packing/ unpacking, setting up, testing. Real life situations and troubleshooting are also addressed. A workbook is provided for each participant.

An awareness of meeting design and question design is integrated into these 'operational' lessons. However, there is no attempt to teach meeting design per se during this training session. Similarly, issues for a facilitator who is working with the software are touched on, but this is not intended as a facilitator training course. (Please inquire about additional training and consulting services on software design and facilitation issues.)

Starting and ending times can be arranged at the convenience of the participants. A typical schedule would run 8:00 to 4:00 each day with an hour for lunch and two 15 min breaks.