Why computer software simulation is a good IT training solution
Recreating a piece of computer software in a multimedia format as a training simulation has a number of advantages:
- It allows the training for a new IT system or computer programme to be rolled out very rapidly across an organisation, even before the actual system is live.
- There are massive time savings over conventional instructor-led delivery of such IT training.
- The trainee can access the simulation after the training as a reference, to remind them of how to perform particular functions that they may not use regularly and consequently forget.
- It is totally independent of the actual, live computer system, so avoids any problem with access, security or input of spurious data.
- It is usually much less expensive than developing a training mode within the actual computer software or IT system.
- A variety of media-rich elements can be built in to provide explanation, to guide the user through the software and enhance the learning experience.
- Software simulation can be delivered as online e-learning or via CD-ROM to suit.
- The users' experience can be paced, so they do not skip over important points. They can also be guided so they never get lost in the system.
There are two ways of achieving this: demonstration and simulation.
Demonstration consists of making a video which captures the software in operation, usually with a voiceover explanation. To this can be added "call-outs", in other words labels, arrows, highlights and text to draw attention to important points. Video clips and quizzes can also be added to the package.
Simulation takes this one step further. We take screen grabs of the actual software, then add interactive overlays to mimic the way it works. The viewer can then click on buttons, select menu items, input text, etc. just as they would when using the real thing.
Click on the "Demo" buttons on the left to see what we mean.
RE-source candidate database simulation
RE-source is the new online candidate database available to recruitment agencies. It allows recruiters who are members of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), to search for candidates to match an employer’s job specification, shortlist the most promising and then e-mail them to invite them to apply.
For the launch, Enlightenment developed three CD-ROMs, one a marketing presentation, the other two training simulations of the database software – one for recruiters, the other for those who administer their company’s access to RE-source.
The simulations were created by taking screen grabs of the actual RE-source database during its development, and then adding a variety of interactive elements to simulate the software and to provide explanations and exercises for the users. These included video and audio, a fictional job specification and company structure as documents to be printed
off and worked from, as well as pop-up windows, hotspots and text input areas to simulate the database itself. Navigation is deliberately flexible, so that users can revisit particular stages in the process of using RE-source, as well as following the process of selecting candidates or setting up access accounts from start to finish.
Colin Minto, Managing Director, RE-source.uk.com Limited said “I am delighted with both the level of service provided by Enlightenment
nd the outcome of our project. In my opinion Enlightenment have broken the mould with their levels of support, attention to detail and commitment to satisfying our requirements. The finished products are outstanding and I would not hesitate to recommend Enlightenment to anyone seeking a highly proficient and cost effective multi-media partner”.
Please contact us for some ideas and costings for your next software introduction.
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