image from: http://blogs.e-rockford.com/applesauce/files/2013/09/cheering-2.jpg
We had momentum, buy-in, enthusiasm, and willing, tech-savvy participants! So, when we started designing their training plan for the Lunenburg technology leaders to train the rest of the faculty, I felt we needed an honest heart-to-heart.
The truth is, with few exceptions, there is a certain amount of consistency in the composition of training groups. There will be a population that is genuinely interested and engaged. There will also be a few that walk in with their arms crossed. These teachers sometimes even have approached me before we begin to tell me they will never use this (they've never seen it!), they don't like technology because it breaks (cars break down, but we use those, right?), on-line learning is just another fad (hmmmmm...I think not.), or a number of other reasons they are not as happy to see me as I am to see them. However, by the end of the day, even the most reluctant teachers typically come around to see the value of My Big Campus for their students and themselves. I believe mostly this is a testament to the powerful teaching tool the My Big Campus team has developed. However, I do offer a few training tips to help get the arm-crossers on-board!
WOW THEM WITH WHYS!
Anticipatory sets are common practice in the classroom, so don't forget about it during training! Specify exactly what the learning outcomes will be as well as address why this is important. It's a digital world, now! Students learn differently (do a bit of research on F versus Z reading patterns for some interesting details, for example)! Engaged students learn better! Be sure to address the importance of learning what the training has to offer.
MAKE IT CONNECT!
One of the best ways to inspire usage is to let trainees know this IS for them. As a company, we often say "any time, anywhere, any device." Expand that to include all of your trainees. Any grade level, any elective, any administrator, any technology position, any media specialist, any coach, any sponsor, any cart, any 1:1 schools, any lab-based schools, any BYOD program...anyhow, you get the point!
REACH THEM WHERE THEY ARE!
Have a conversation about what trainees' fears are in trying a new learning management system. Dispelling myths, easing anxiety, and discovering the root of the arm-crossing helps trainees know you are interested in their training journey. Developing that trust can go a long way in creating teacher buy-in!
AVOID LOADED TERMS!
There is little more frustrating than being told "it's so EASY" when it really isn't to you. Try to avoid phrases that, despite their intent, could come across as diminishing.
LOAD IT WITH PEDAGOGY!
"Click here. Now click here. When you click here, this happens. Then drag this here. Now right click." Are you asleep yet?!?!?! Instead, talk about how AND why. "Let's chat for a second about chat, then let's try it out! Chat can be used as a backchannel during guest speakers, as a way for students to collaborate on projects without talking, or even use it during a movie and act as a facilitator to the chat to help bring out the main points! What other ways can you think of?" See? All better (and no one is sleeping!)!
DON'T LEAVE THEM FEELING ABANDONED!
I recall many trainings that I left thinking, "Well, I can do it while you're standing here! But when I'm on my own...meh."Don't leave them feeling alone. Front-load your training group with Resources like the How-To Guide, Self-paced Training Series, Flipped Learning Series, and weekly webinars. And certainly have every trainee Quicklink Bob Campus for his expertise 24/7!
Turn this teacher:
into THIS teacher!
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