Computer Software Training Best Practices

Posted on 05/07/2022 by Niko Venev

The Value of Primers

For many employees, a simple introduction to new software can go a long way in preparing them for taking relevant courses. Employees who want an easily accessible primer on a particular piece of software can peruse a computer training guide offered by the program's developers. Often, software manufacturers offer these guides within a program's help section. The developers of the most popular software used in professional settings, such as office applications, are known to publish tutorials on their websites. These basic training materials can come in the form of manuals, videos, or even community support, and all of them can provide a useful foundation for learning basic software skills before students take formal courses.

Provide Simulations

Anyone who is interested in implementing software training best practices should seek to integrate simulations into their educational model. Software simulations can be imperative to successful training, especially if the software is new to users or if updated versions with significant feature changes have been released. When developing plans for simulations, be sure to incorporate scenarios that are specific to both your industry and business. The goal should be to have employees learn how to use the software by way of real-world examples. Cover advanced or complex scenarios once students find themselves comfortable with the basics.

Grease the Wheels With Enthusiasm

Employees rarely like change, especially change that threatens to disrupt the flow of their work environment, which the implementation of a new piece of software can do. While employers may not receive overt pushback for requiring software training, employees may not receive the new software and its training with enthusiasm. This absence of excitement can negatively affect educational efforts, causing them to take longer than anticipated or even outright fail. Countless employers have found that one of the most effective software training best practices out there is to position the adoption of new software and its training not as inevitable but as desirable. There are many ways that you can achieve this, such as:

• Demonstrating how the adoption of new software can streamline employees' workdays
• Scheduling training to take place at convenient times
• Focusing on providing classes that are fun or interactive
• Providing incentives for quick and successful software adoption

There are also other practical steps that you can take to ensure that employees sign up for training with an open and eager mind. For instance, you can offer a paper computer training guide for them to review to quell any intimidation that they feel. You can also encourage them to enroll in courses that closely align with their preferred learning environment, whether that's online or in person. Employers should consider working closely with instructors to design a highly organized course to reduce any potential confusion if entire office systems need to be changed.

Include a Live Instructor

Having a live instructor walk students through learning a new program is one of the most important software training best practices. A live instructor can easily guide employees through simulations, explain choices and techniques, and answer any questions that students may have. At Certstaffix Training, we've entrusted knowledgeable instructors to teach our computer software training courses both on-site and online so that students can learn what they need to while getting immediate feedback.

If you're an employer, you can get the most out of a live instructor's skills by familiarizing yourself with the software that your staff will be using. After getting a handle on the program, advise the instructor about what you expect your employees to know and how you want them to work. The best relationships between employers and instructors often depend on regular communication and feedback, so don't be afraid to discuss concerns and provide suggestions while your employees work through courses.