Delivery Methods

The best format for software training depends on several factors. Students' different learning styles, training goals, and location are all important considerations. With that in mind, Elert & Associates offers a variety of delivery methods. Many of our clients choose a combination of these methods, in an effort to present flexible alternatives to busy employees.

• Virtual Classroom Training
• On-Site Training
• One-on-One Application Support (Virtual Classroom or On-Site)
• Additional Options

Virtual Classroom Training

Elert & Associates' virtual classroom makes it possible for students to attend a live, instructor-led class anywhere they have access to the Internet and a telephone.

Students join the class through their Web browser, where they can see the instructor's screen as she or he demonstrates each new skill. A teleconference provides the audio, allowing students to hear and interact with the instructor and other participants. Throughout the class, students switch between the instructor's screen in their browser and their own copy of the application, where they can practice applying the new skills.

We offer three types of classes in our virtual classroom:

• Public Classes - Many of the topics in our course catalog are offered regularly on our public schedule. See our Registration page for more details.

• Private Classes - If you have a group of people interested in training on the same topic, we can schedule a private class for that group. Choose an existing course in our catalog, or let us work with you to create a custom class that meets your needs. Up to ten people can attend each private class.

• One-on-One Application Support - During these sessions, students work one-on-one with an instructor on a topic of their choice. See the schedule for available time slots.

Virtual classroom training is ideal for organizations with employees in multiple or remote locations, because it requires no added travel time or expense. Because our public classes are available to anyone, it also works well for smaller companies in which only a few people need training on a particular topic and for individuals seeking software training on their own, rather than through their employer.

On-Site Training

Traditional on-site training remains a popular choice for many learners. This method works particularly well in organizations where the majority of employees work in the same general location. It is also effective when a large number of employees from a wide geographic area are coming to one location at the same time (e.g., for a sales meeting or conference).

On-site training takes place at your location, meaning your employees incur no lost time or expense due to travel. You can choose from any of the classes in our catalog, or work with us to customize a class or series of classes to meet your needs.

We provide on-site training to clients in Minneapolis-St. Paul (Minnesota) and in the Milwaukee and Madison (Wisconsin) areas. We also travel to other locations upon request, but must bill for our instructors' travel expenses.

One-on-One Application Support

For some students, a standard software class is simply not the most appropriate option. Some people find it hard to devote even 90 minutes to training. Others just need help implementing their new skills successfully within their own projects, rather than an in-class practice file. In these cases, One-on-One Application Support is an ideal alternative.

Each week, we offer several one-on-one sessions in our public virtual classroom. If we have an instructor in your geographic area, the sessions can also be held on-site at your location. See our One-on-One Application Support page for the schedule and more details.

Additional Options

In addition to standard software classes taught online or on site, we often provide other services as a supplement or alternative to traditional training. The following are just some of the options our clients have chosen:

• Small Group Coaching - If One-on-One Application Support sounds ideal, but you want a small team within your organization to work together during the session rather than working one-on-one with the instructor, we can schedule a small group session instead.

• Discovery Labs - In these sessions, individuals or groups within an organization gather to work on their own projects while an instructor is present to answer questions, facilitate brainstorming sessions, or help participants use the appropriate software most effectively for the task at hand. Discovery labs work best in a training room or other location where several computers are available for interested students to use. Since the sessions are held on site at your location, this option is limited to clients in the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, and Madison (Wisconsin) areas (unless we bill for the instructor's travel costs).

• Brown Bag Seminars - In brown bag seminars, an instructor demonstrates a specific application to a large group of users. Common goals of these sessions are to highlight tips for using a common application more effectively or to introduce a new application or version workers will be using. Brown bag seminars often serve as an effective supplement or introduction to other training options available to workers within your organization.

For more information on these or other delivery options, contact us.