Creative Training Ideas for the WFO

Kim Runk, SOO

NWS Las Vegas

COMAP - 8 September 1999

Outline

• Adult Learning Principles

• The Truth About Training

• Instructional Design Basics

• Four Ideas For Your Office

Adult Learning Principles

• Adults want to know why they need to learn something

• Adults are life-centered in their approach to learning

• Internal pressures (self-esteem, quality of life, job satisfaction) are the most powerful motivators

Adult Learning Principles

• People learn best through practice

• People learn easiest what is familiar

• People learn from their mistakes

• People enjoy varying learning stimuli

• People are motivated if learning is fun

• We can’t learn what we don’t understand

The Truth About Training

• Available time is limited

• Motivation is lacking

• Commitment is wanting

• Payback is intangible

• AWIPS-era problems

AWIPS Data Overlay Examples(LAPS, satellite-derived & model PW)

• Keep presentations simple and organized

• Present one idea at a time

• Visuals should be used to:– attract attention

– explain a point

– facilitate retention

– promote understanding

Instructional Design Basics

Try dividing space in

interesting ways.

Try dividing space in

interesting ways.

Instructional Design BasicsKey Components to Consider

• Attention• arouse interest, clarify what’s at stake

• Relevance• connect to needs, explain why

• Confidence• increase understanding, sense of success

• Satisfaction• encourage intrinsic reward

Training Methods

• One-on-One Sessions• Personal Projects• On-Station Seminars• Assigned Readings• Professional Conferences• Traditional Drills• Computer-Based Learning

CBL Strengths

• Focused, relevant topics

• Flexible w.r.t. schedules

• Involve several senses

• Stimulate discussion

• Include active practice

Computer-Based Learning

• COMET Modules

• LAN Slide Shows

• Teletraining

• PC-based Drills

• Web-based Drills

LAN Slide Shows

• Corel or Powerpoint

• Seminar or Self-Paced

• Instructive or interactive

• Excellent medium for brief, focused topics

Teletraining

• Telewriter 2000 show files

• FTS2000 Audio conference

• Several offices can participate

• Once done, sessions reusable

• Requires significant prep time

PC-Based Drills

• Download “Castudy.exe”• Save graphics to media file• Try to avoid resizing gifs

garp –noicons –nostatus –width 450 –height 400 ftp.microsoft.com offers “videdit” free of charge

• Flexible, but structured design• Use to build a case study library

Web-Based Drills

• Requires some HTML familiarity• Requires frames browser• Works best with on-site server• Download config files fromhttp://meted.ucar.edu/resource/template/v1/

• Follow instructions to tailor your frames to the template files

Final Comments• Maximize short burst training

• Invite guest speakers occasionally

• Involve forecasters in the process

• Demonstrate management team’s commitment to training: work shifts

• Schedule time for developing training

• Tailor your training to your needs – and be creative!