Effective Training Planning

[ErinMR]

Throughout this blog series, we have discussed how the Instructure Success Model forms the center of our consulting approach. In this post, we will discuss training Canvas Credentials users, including faculty, staff and even students.

What is a Training Plan and Why Do I Need One?

Like a communication plan, a training plan is an important component of fulfilling your vision. When faculty, staff, or other users of the tool have coordinated and focused outcomes and expectations for usage, they can be much more effective. Training is more than just showing someone around a platform, however; we should craft a specific plan for how each group of users will be trained. Finally, remember that training should be ongoing. Although it is commonly perceived as part of the initial kickoff, you will want to offer continued professional learning in a regular cycle, leveraging multiple methods.

Key Questions for Assessing Training Needs

As you begin to plan your training, start by assessing the current Credentials knowledge of your leadership, faculty, and staff. Do any of them have familiarity with the platform already? To what degree? Consider how you will connect to your vision through this training, any current institutional teaching and learning initiatives already in place, and any models for technology integration you might already be employing.

Once you have assessed the current state, consider these questions to assess your training needs — Feel free to save this document as a reference.

1. Who?
   • Who are the different audiences that need training? Who will be using the tool and how?
   • Who are the staff at your institution responsible for Credentials training?
   • How can Instructure trainers help facilitate your goals?
2. What?
   • What has worked in the past with professional development and training?
   • What is the preferred learning format? (face-to-face, self-paced course, etc.)
   • What other resources are available for Credentials training and how will we share them?
   • What obstacles might prevent successful training?
3. When?
   • What are your launch/go-live dates and deadlines?
   • When should training take place for each identified audience?
   • Are there time constraints or certain dates/events to avoid for your different audiences/resources?
4. Where?
   • What physical learning space do you have that meets technology requirements?
   • What virtual spaces do you have available for professional learning?
5. Why?
   • How does Credentials connect to your WHY and your vision for teaching and learning? How will you communicate this during training? 

Making a Plan

After you have reflected on the questions listed above, it's time for the final question: How will you incorporate these responses into a plan? Identify training events/resources as well as timing and content for the initial rollout first. Who needs immediate training? Whose training can wait for a later phase? Will you employ a train-the-trainer approach? Which methods will be used for which audience? What content? How will you handle ongoing professional development for various users? (For example, new faculty or staff as well as those who want to enhance their skills.) It’s also important to build in a cycle for reflection and adjustment in this process; how will you evaluate the success of the training at each phase? Who will make adjustments, and how?

We know this can be a daunting task, and remember: our consultants can help you create these plans and provide in-depth advice on these considerations, and we also offer a number of Credentials training sessions. Reach out to your Customer Success Manager to learn more.