Pushing innovation through IT training

Over two-thirds of companies class innovation as the top-ranking factor in competitiveness, according to Oracle. But most of the IT spending goes on keeping things ticking over and maintaining systems and applications. Most users of Oracle programs utilize the aspects of the program they are familiar with, and nothing more. Often the lack of innovation and creativity that is missing in how people use IT is down to lack of knowledge. IT training can fill the gap in knowledge and give users the confidence and skills to innovate within their own jobs. Designing and implementing an Oracle training session can bring great benefits to the workforce and to the business.

Designing an effective training course

Take a look at the people that need to be trained and decide what their needs are. With different updates and improvements to software coming through all the time, many employees lack the knowledge and skills needed to master the programs effectively. Training can cover gaps in knowledge and updates brought about by new versions of the program. Training can also give users who have not encountered the software before the chance to get to know it and develop good working habits.

Determining the needs of the group will affect what shape the training takes. For example, a refresher course can be run from the front of the room with everyone either working on their own computer or sharing a machine. Explanations of more complex aspects of the programs, and a course for complete beginners, will require more of a one-on-one approach. For this you will need smaller groups, or individual at-desk training.

Encouraging innovation

When you have determined the needs of the employees and their level of experience and knowledge you can start to design the content of the training course. As well as looking at theory and procedures - the building blocks of the program, which is necessary to be able to work effectively with the program - build opportunities for innovation into the training. Don’t stop at saying which command does which job; talk about ways in which employees can use the programs to change the way they work or the way they process data.

Build in a series of activities that encourage innovation, brainstorming, and creativity. Take the applications contained in the program as the start of a discussion into how work can become more efficient, effective, and innovative.



Using IT creatively

IT training all too often focuses purely on the nuts-and-bolts of the systems in question. While it is important that every user knows how to operate the software and hardware they use in their jobs, IT training is also an opportunity to encourage employees to use IT creatively. If you are lacking the time and experience needed to develop and run a training session, consider running a course with the help of a training professional. Oracle training classes by tam, for example, give users the basics they need as well as more in-depth solutions to IT issues.