E-Learning
Current social-network tools cater not only to recreational purposes, but also business applications. Training tutorials, video clippings and other materials are posted for trainees to study, and can be exchanged via blogs and discussion boards, allowing for more interactions in the cyberspace. “We have built an online learning network which is open to anyone: customers, partners, students, career explorers and employees, regardless of certification level,” said Fred Weiller, Director of Marketing for the Cisco Learning Network, Cisco Systems. Shared wikis, blogs, discussion boards and assessment-based learning tools provide richer feedback and two-way communication, as opposed to the traditional Web approach which presents information for the reader's perusal only, Weiller added.
Online materials might cover frequently asked questions, such as how to update firmware, how to install products and how to properly focus lenses, available in different languages to further reach global audience.
Face Time
Most on-site training in security comes with a price tag, however. For advanced and/or certification courses, fees can range between US$150 and $5,000. Aside from course fees, traveling expenses such as airfare, lodging, insurance and meals should be considered as well. Training fees depend on the length and depth of the course, as well as how advanced the products are, explained Courtney Pedersen, Communications Manager at Milestone Systems. Paid advanced or certification classes place greater emphasis on hands-on, practical training, and trainees are often more willing to participate in such courses to gain valuable, on-site practice with training equipment and interact with instructors, as well as their industry peers, Lee said. “Paid training will have less no-show or drop-out rates as the trainees will take the class more seriously.”
“The fees reflect the value of the materials provided, as well as the in-depth and hands-on training that trainees receive,” said Jason Schimpf, Director of Partner Relations for Arecont Vision. “It is important that trainees walk away with the tools necessary to properly demonstrate and present products for sales purposes.”
Similar observations are shared by many others. “Our customer feedback has shown that trainees prefer more hands-on courses where they can actually get practical advice,” said Gary Harmer, Director of Electronic Security Sales for Mayflex. “Although webinars can be far more convenient, the success of this type of training has never been as great as when trainees set time aside to learn while given the opportunity to actively take part.”
“Training provided over social-network platforms might be more suitable for basic training or introduction to a system,” Lim added. “Without hands-on training, it would be difficult to claim knowledge of a system at working level, which is crucially important for system integrators.”
In addition to training courses provided by manufacturers and their channel partners, other training professionals in the industry turn their attention to installation knowledge and techniques. “The majority of training given by many manufacturers tends to be productspecific,” said Kevin Matthew, Operations Director for Tavcom Training. “Physical hands-on training pertaining to the technological structure of the installation, rather than the features and benefits of individual products relating to the manufacturer's specifications, is equally important.”