How to choose a IT Trainer?
Ignorance can be bliss however in the real world just because we did not know we can get burnt by fire does not mean if we put our finger into the fire and expect not the get burnt -
So what do I know how to choose a great IT trainer - but I thought the best person to ask is Melanie Berenblut, an IT trainer, specially with over 16 years of experience,
and here from Melanie's story we can learn who to choose the best IT trainer -
Melanie Berenblut As a trainer with over 16 years experience, the following was instilled in me at the start of my IT Training career by Ingrid Petuschnig my lecturer. 'Always remember that you were once a learner'. This has remained with me, and I often reflect on what it must feel like, embarking on the first steps of learning to use a computer prior to training those new to computers. Many of these learners are specialists in their work and often through no fault of their own, have not been given an opportunity of using a computer. Some of these have confided in me that prior to entering the IT Training Room, they had a sleepless night, or were afraid. Once they entered the room I assured them that it is fine to make mistakes, they can ask me the same question as often as they feel necessary, and I will not get angry with them.
An IT Trainer needs to be a good listener, empathetic and discreet. An example of these qualities is when I was an IT Lecturer, one of my students came to me after the lecture and told me that she had just found out she was expecting a baby and was considering having an abortion. She told me that she trusted me, and would appreciate my advice on what she should do. I assured her that what she had discussed with me, would not be passed on to anybody unless she permitted me to do so.
A sense of humour goes a long way, being able to use fun anecdotes.
An IT Trainer needs to be able to multi-task, often training sessions or lectures do not go as planned. You sometimes need to have a contingency plan in place.
One needs to be supportive particularly before and after exams. Examples of this are arranging for learners to come and see me individually, for coaching prior to the exam and after exams to discuss things.
An IT Trainer needs to be a subject specialist and if they are not certain of something, the trainee should be informed and advised, that it will be researched and they will receive a response.
Flexibility is a key factor. Being well-organised is very important.
One needs to be able to inspire confidence in learners. I have had learners with low self esteem attend training sessions, their managers have expectations of them attending a one day Word Foundation Course, and return to work the next day as MS Word Experts. This has not always been the case, as some learners take longer to absorb information. In one particular case, I emailed a Line Manager to inform them that this particular learner actually requires some further training. Once the Manager received my email their attitude towards the learner changed.
Being able to go that one step further to encourage learners to succeed in their ECDL qualification. Examples of this, are giving them copies of the syllabus, spending time going through the syllabus to ensure it is understood. Providing a list of resources for learners eg websites and book titles.
Two of my successes are training a stroke victim which enabled him to communicate with the outside world. Setting up a successful ECDL Test Centre for Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School and achieving a Grade A status in the first year accreditation. .
