Friday Focus: Training and Supporting with Technology

This week's stream focused on ways we can support and train others whilst we work remotely. Although a necessary tool whilst we are in lockdown, this is a fantastic tool to know when working remotely. The notes for the session are here and the stream is included below!


In the stream we looked at using Chrome Remote Desktop as the tool we demonstrated, so this week's top tips will be for training and supporting others with technology as remotely we know it can be a difficult task!
1. Motivate. A key part of training is to motivate the person being trained, they need a reason as to why learning this new programme or whatever is useful for them. People do not want their time wasted and need justification of why this is a good use of their time.
2. Communicate. Despite demonstrating on someone's screen, they still need clear, concise communication as you would if training person. Likewise make sure the person you are showing, communicates back, the signs of someone being confused are harder to see virtually.
3. Understand Learning Styles. A live demonstration may not be the most useful tool for training for all your team. People learn in different ways so this may not be effective for everyone. If someone is struggling you could type them up bullet point instructions or send a screencast they can rewatch. Everyone is different.
4. Feedback. It is important to receive feedback to make sure the software you are trying to implement is suitable for your team. Without discussion you will be unable to either help train someone further to help fix the issue or having, or even realise maybe the software wasn't suitable. Whilst in lockdown having effective and suitable tools in place is key, and just because something works for you, does not mean it does for everyone else.
5. Group sessions. If possible, teach everyone as a group. This can sometimes aid questions other's wont think of at the time, as well as demonstrate who has a clearer understanding and can assist others when having issues. This could be done on software like Microsoft Teams, where during a group call the trainer can broadcast their screen.


Since lockdown many businesses have had to adapt quickly into using digital platforms to help their business, that doesn't mean your team can't become an expert in it and still use it after the lockdown.

Due to the bank holiday next week, our next stream is on the 15th May, and we shall be focusing on creating web based apps using Glide. If you cannot wait two week, we have previously done a similar talk which you can view here. See you in two weeks!