Elearning! - December 2007/January 2008 - (Page 44)

casestudytraining triple our training staff or come up with an entirely new solution,” notes Ross Thornton, the company’s training manager. “After assessing the options, iLinc proved to be the best solution for providing frequent, content-rich training.” INCREASING TRAINING EFFICIENCY WS implemented its first iLinc software in 2000, originally endeavoring to reduce sales team challenges associated with traditional training (like travel time and costs, productivity losses and retention). With iLinc, trainers could deliver more frequent sessions in shorter durations, which subsequently proved to increase model is embraced by our staff because it doesn’t force any one method,” points out Williams Scotsman senior training specialist Ronald Hoogerwerf. “The vast majority of courses are taken online via iLinc, but the perception is that individuals can choose to supplement these classes in a way that works for them. It gives our learners more flexibility and enables them to learn more, faster than ever before.” MEASURING THE BENEFITS WS touts increased efficiency as the most significant benefit of iLinc. The training staff cites its ability, for example, to roll out a new application to up to 400 employees across 100 locations in a period of two to three weeks — a dramatic reduction from the old days of traditional training. “We’re able to focus our time and energy on content because we don’t have to worry about the iLinc tool,” says Hoogerwerf. “Even in compressed timeframes, we’re able to focus on curriculum, rather than hassling over the technology.” Williams Scotsman’s longterm success with iLinc stands out as an example of how to achieve technology-driven efficiencies. In 2003, a staff of nine trainers delivered 4935 hours of training (including a small percentage of self-paced study). By 2006, a staff of only six delivered 13,852 hours — a productivity increase of 321 percent per trainer. During that same span, Williams Scotsman reduced training costs by more than 30 percent and increased online training participation by 195 percent. To learn more about iLink solutions, visit: www.iLink.com. Challenge Find a distance-learning solution to replace traditional in-person classes, in order to decrease demands on a small training staff trying to serve a rapidly growing organization. Solution Implement iLinc to serve diverse learners across more than 100 locations, ultimately increasing trainer productivity by 321 percent while reducing costs by more than 30 percent. the company expanded its use of iLinc across its entire workforce, producing training on everything from software skills and regulatory compliance to new-hire orientation and HR programs. Today, Williams Scotsman’s live instructors utilize iLinc to lead and control classes of geographically distributed students with all of the interaction and flexibility of a traditional classroom. Instructors choose from varied forms of synchronized content within the iLinc interface, including PowerPoint slides, multimedia authored courseware, Web-based material, ing on its proprietary Sales Force Automation (SFA) software, as well as for more personalized on-the-job training. In its initial rollout of two proprietary software tools, Williams Scotsman delivered 795 hours of training in just nine weeks with no travel disruptions or expenses. CONTINUING TO LEVERAGE Today, several departments rely on iLinc Web and audio conferencing for meetings and online collaboration. And the training department has developed a comprehensive learning program, Williams Scotsman University (WSU), which delivers both online and traditional classroom courses. WSU staff takes advantage of the ability to record training sessions and make them available for self-paced study. The result ‘Our blended learning model is embraced because it doesn’t force any one method.’ —Ronald Hoogerwerf comprehension and retention levels. WS quickly reduced rollout time for new sales functions and tools while increasing overall training offerings. Shortly after the sales rollout, 44 streaming video, white boarding, chatting and shared software applications. WS adopted iLinc as the ideal medium for introductory and enhanced function train- is a full-service experience for learners — synchronous, asynchronous and in-person options — and continuing success for trainers. “Our blended learning December 2007 / January 2008 Elearning! http://www.iLink.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Elearning! - December 2007/January 2008

Elearning! - December 2007/January 2008 Contents Editor’s Note News Google Tops List Learning Hours Increase Web 2.0 Whitepaper Available Listing World-Class Learners Kick Your Career in High Gear Trendline Best of Elearning! Awards Happy Birthday to Us Virtual Worlds for Learning Learning Leaders: Innovation, Excellence Learning Leaders Case Studies The Business Case of E-learning The Business Case for E-learning Case Study: Adecco Case Study: GlaxoSmithKline Case Study: Williams Scotsman New Products Collaboration Tools Content Pop Quiz Last Word

Elearning! - December 2007/January 2008

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