Chief Learning Officer - June 2008 - (Page 39) But because Latin America’s workforce is so highly dispersed, computer-based training not only is a useful tool, it’s essential. As a result, many companies are coming up with innovative ways to make distancebased learning more palatable. At Microsoft, for example, learning executives instituted programs called Breakfast Online and Lunch Online, in which employees come together for a meal and complete their online training courses in a group. Other companies, such as CocaCola, are making use of Web-based portals (wikis) where employees can post successful practices and tools. “The thing that we’re really seeing now is the use of technology to capture, share and build on successful practices,” said Karen Hendrix, director of Coca-Cola University for North America and Latin America. “And I think that’s really where we see a lot of value going forward with more of an e-platform.” Still other organizations have capitalized on the networking nature of the Latin culture and begun to invest in virtual worlds. “We’re already experiencing Second Life: It has been a success in Latin America,” Leon said. “Although [Microsoft’s] culture calls for interaction and networking, it can be performed using information and technology.” Likewise, McDonald’s Latin America has implemented an engagement tool called McLand, a splashy Web page employees can access individually to view enterprise news, training opportunities, HR functions and accrued rewards. “[We say], ‘Let’s look at the elearning process that the U.S. has, the worldwide e-learning process, and let’s see what we need and how can we integrate that into our whole engagement process,’ which is McLand in this case,” said Carlos Gonzalez, senior director of operations for McDonald’s Latin America. Companies also can bring a diverse yet highly social workforce together simply by propagating its corporate culture, Cardoso said. “We focus on a culture that we have as The CocaCola Company, so when we put programs forward, when we put developments forward, we leverage [them] because we have a common culture,” he said. “When you take that philosophical approach, it’s amazing what you can do.” CLO THERE’S NO PLACE QUITE LIKE IT Q Center built by training professionals for training professionals The Premier Destination for Meetings, Conferences & Executive Learning. GROUPS OF 2 TO 2000 STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY EXQUISITE CATERING 1,042 GUEST ROOMS CHICAGO QCENTER.COM 877 774 THEQ http://QCENTER.COM http://QCENTER.COM
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