Further Information: ICT skills training is provided for learners specific to their learning needs.
Many people fear new technology although they use it in one form or another most days of their lives. Mobile phones, DVD recorders, microwave cookers - all require a level of technical skill to operate.
Connecting for Health (CfH) has published a booklet outlining the pre-requisites for training for individuals who want to progress through the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) training: End User Pre-requisites for training.
To avoid barriers to using e-Learning, learners must feel comfortable with the technology and recognise that ICT skills are not so much about use of particular software but an attitude and confidence towards learning new skills and updating those skills as and when it is needed. Seeing other people using ICT skills in a positive way is one of the best catalysts for change. You can read a short article, BT Dares to Share about the importance of peer learning in this context.
Flexible training provision alongside formal training can increase learners’ confidence, particularly for those new to using computers. In addition to dedicated training sessions, learning can occur across the working day, for example at the end of staff meetings. Below is an example of how Basic IT skills were provided to people working in Trusts in North London.
"Whilst working for a some Trusts in North London, we developed a Basic IT Skills Coaching service. All staff received a 2-page Basic IT skills questionnaire (available on the CfH website) with covering letter. We got a 45% return rate and approx 25% of staff had some sort of development need.
Any learners with identified development were then offered a minimum of three one hour, one-to-one coaching, delivered in their workplace, to reduce need to travel etc. Learners were encouraged to use computers/ IT in personal lives as well, with tasks around reviewing holidays/ booking travel, setting up a personal email account (hotmail), or even internet banking."
A tried and tested way of offering support in the workplace is through the development of a variety of e-Learning Champions and Guides. They are usually selected because of their enthusiasm for ICT rather than their high level of ICT skills. Research into a national E-Guides programme found that managers selected enthusiastic people over highly skilled ICT users because
"you can give people skills but your can’t create enthusiasm."
The Champions or e-Guides receive additional training and ongoing support from ICT experts. They can pass the skills on to colleagues in the workplace, as and when needed. You might like to refer learners to learndirect or UK Online where a wide range of IT courses are available from beginners to advanced.
Look at the section in the Toolkit on e-Champions.
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