User-Driven Training -- A Strategy For Support

Abstract

Investment in information technology on the campuses of small colleges and universities has been a high priority in recent years. This investment includes computers, multimedia equipment, software, and network infrastructure and supporting hardware. One important area which seems to get less attention in this rush to attain technological adequacy is the investment in the training and support of our human resources.At Whitworth College we are implementing a strategy for training and support that places the focus of attention on user-identified needs. Our strategy results from past experiences that have failed to address the real training and support needs of the personnel. It is a strategy that identifies the users as the central figures in identifying, defining, and organizing their own training and support needs.This presentation will describe the major points of the strategy and provide some detail regarding program implementation and reaction by the campus community.