Focus Magazine - Winter 2014 - 11

GUEST EDITOR
Chris Platanos

The New Frontier

Delivering
world-class
training requires
us to challenge the
status quo.

s life science training professionals, we
challenge and educate individuals on
critical disease, diagnosis and treatments
that impact the care of patients. We understand
our role is of upmost importance. We also
understand that technology can enhance our
ability to help our learners be more effective.
Delivering world-class training requires us to
challenge the status quo and continuously ask
ourselves if the technology enhances our
learners' experience and increases their speed to
competency. When implemented properly,
technology can be a tremendous asset. The new
frontier of technology has shifted the question
from should we utilize technology to what
technology solutions should we utilize.
There are hundreds if not thousands of
training technology solutions available today. It
is impressive, but also a bit intimidating. Robust
competition in the learning technology field has
increased quality and decreased cost. Successful
identification and strategic implementation of a
technology solution are critical components in
this new frontier.
The most important question to start with is
how will this technology solution enhance the
learners' ability to achieve the desired outcome?
Many traditional training programs were
built around the classroom experience including
some pre-work modules, assessments, etc. There
are some outstanding technology solutions that
can be extremely valuable prior to a live training
event. Interactive learning modules, virtual
trainings and various mobile solutions to name a
few. Virtual training also can be utilized to
supplement and in some cases replace live
training. In a live training environment,
technology helps learners engage and track their
ongoing progress.
Given the research outlining the importance
around the post training/implementation phase,

there is a significant opportunity to extend the
learning beyond the classroom. Mobile
technology solutions have made on-demand and
ongoing reinforcement learning a reality. A key
question we must continuously challenge
ourselves to answer is how to effectively extend
the learning beyond the classroom and what
resources can we provide our learners in their
ongoing development?
To successfully identify and implement a
technology solution to help our learners, let's
view each of these three areas of training (pre,
during, post) with objectivity. Communicate to
your learners that feedback is a gift. Ask for
honest feedback. What did the learner find the
most valuable about their training experience?
How did it compare to other trainings they have
participated in? Do they have any suggestions
on how to improve? What ideas do they have to
extend their learning? Have they utilized
technology solutions? Finally, have we
communicated the importance of their ongoing
learning and development?
To optimize our training program, focus on
the area of need and evaluate technology
solutions that will help your learners and
organization. What is the plan, timeline and
budget and what support is needed? What is the
desired outcome and how will it be measured?
Talk to others who have implemented similar
technology and do a pilot with a smaller group.
Get feedback and buy-in early from key stake
holders.
As life science trainers, we are responsible to
train individuals and teams who ultimately
impact the lives of patients. The new frontier of
technology enhances our ability to deliver worldclass training programs that better serve our
learners. Let's challenge ourselves to critically
evaluate our training and implement
technology solutions that make a difference! I

Christopher Platanos is associate director, global sales training and development,
Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Email Chris at PlatanosC@alxn.com.

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Focus Magazine - Winter 2014

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