task

My Technology-Oriented
Training Room
by Roxanne Bergen

Training Room Logistics Workstations Activity Centers Conference Room

Trainer's/Teachers Choice Conclusion References

Introduction

An American visionary once said, "If you can dream it, you can do it." That futuristic dreamer was Walt Disney. Disney’s philosophy continues to bring joy and excitement to millions of people around the world, through various medias. The Disney Corporation has a unique way of combining human resources and technology to bring past, present, and future information to life in a fun, interesting, and involving way. This same philosophy can be carried over into our classrooms and our work environments today.

Like Mr. Disney, I too have a dream. A dream of combining human resources and technology to create the #1 Customer Care department in the northeast. Is it a dream? Currently, but it must first be a dream prior to becoming a reality. Come with me and explore some of the technology that will be incorporated, to help make this dream come true.

Training Room Logistics

Safety is the primary focus of our corporation, and probably yours as well. Therefore, the room must be large enough to move within freely, and set up to allow trainees to work efficiently with enough space for needed materials and equipment without clutter. Equipment should be housed and stored properly, preferably out of sight, to promote both a safe environment and a more warm and welcoming atmosphere, which usually enhances the learning process.

The room will be setup with following three distinct areas:

    First, the individual workstations. A total of twelve workstations will be present. They
    will be in four rows of three workstations each. This area will be in the center of the
    room.

Second, there will be group Activity Centers in each corner of the room.

Third, a Conference Room will be off the main training room.

Workstations

Each workstation will include "Ergonomically Correct" office furniture. This will help prevent injuries to trainees while performing work tasks. Below is a list of the primary "Ergonomically Correct" office furniture and equipment to be utilized, and their benefits.

Ergonomic Equipment Benefit(s)

Adjustable Desk Top    Allows adjustment of monitor up/down for best viewing.

Adjustable Keyboard Table    Allows adjustment of keyboard location up/down, in/out,
   for best typing posture.
   Also slides under Adjustable Desk for storage. This is
   beneficial for it reduces amount of dust and debris
   gathered on keyboard, and out of the way storage
   prevents "bumping" accidents.

Adjustable Chair    Allows adjustment of height for legs, back and arms. Also
   has lumbar adjustment.
   These adjustments will allow trainees to adjust positioning
   of chair to meet their individual body types for optimal
   posture positioning.

Wrist Pads To decrease angle of wrist for less strain.

The following will be additional ergonomic equipment available upon request:

Glare Screens

Foot Rests

Back Pads

Document Stands

The workstations will also include pertinent "Technological Equipment" to conduct their job-position responsibilities. The list below provides the primary "Technological Equipment" to be utilized to date, and their benefits. Please keep in mind that it's most desirable to have the fastest CPU available, along with the maximum amount of memory.

Technological Equipment Benefit(s)

Laptop Computer with Docking Station    Allows trainees to take computer home to practice and
   study, while allowing them to hook up to the network while
   in the classroom, for optimal speed.

Flat Panel Monitor    Allows strain-less viewing, while taking less space on
   desktop.

Ergonomic Keyboard    Allows comfort and speed in typing, with less wrist strain.

Wireless Mouse    Allows freedom of movement and space.
   Will be time efficient, since will not get "snagged".

Colored Printer, Copier, Fax, and Scanner
Combination    This equipment will save time and increase learning and
   promote customer satisfaction.
   The trainee will no longer have to go to the printer or
   copier, for it will be located under their desk top.
   Customers can now fax the trainee directly, increasing
   good customer relations.
   Printer and scanner will be utilized for training materials.

Re-Writable CD and DVD combination    Will allow trainees’ to save large documents, including
   screen prints in one area.

Digital Camera    Will allow trainees’ to take pictures on field trips, and
   report of their experiences and learnings.

Phone    This particular phone will have the capability of processing
   queues, as to identify call type.
   It will also allow call monitoring, conferencing, and
   transferring.
   Tracking call information will also be a function of this
   phone. It will include such things as length of call, wait,
   and hold, as well as other auxiliary items.

Wireless Headset    Will provide freedom of movement and comfort.

The computer listed above will come with an operating system, floppy drive, speakers, sound card, graphic card, etc.

Software are critical items when training. In order to convey the proper information, you must demonstrate and apply lessons using applicable software. In our corporation, and in my dream training room, the following applications will be used:

Software Applications Use

Utility Billing System    A user friendly system that will accurately display
   customer, field, and billing information.
   Will easily allow corrections, and have a user friendly
   tracking and analysis system included.

Bill View Application    Will provide identical replication of customers’ bill.
   History retrievable, minimal of 3 years, then archived.

Training Region    Will allow practical practices, without disturbing actual
   accounts or departments.

Resource Management System    Will provide "Real Time" information regarding field
   orders.

Outage Management System Will provide "Real Time" information regarding cause and
   status of outages.

Microsoft Office -

Outlook
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Publisher

   To communicate within department and among other
   departments.
   To create letters, documentations.
   To create spreadsheets.
   To create presentations.
   To add creative input to documentations, presentations,
   etc.

Online Help Application    A user friendly application that will provide definitions,
   processes, and procedures of job related tasks.

Monitoring Application    Will allow listening and analysis of actual customer calls.

Intranet Access    To keep informed of company information.

Internet Access    To research job-related information, and keep abreast of
   market trends.

In addition to the ergonomically correct office furniture, the technological equipment, and the software applications, each station will be equipped with a standard calculator for various calculations, and a file cabinet for materials and supplies. Once again the file cabinet will assist in keeping organization and preventing clutter, which hampers both the learning process and safety conditions.

With the equipment and applications listed above, the workstations will be equipped to train students in a variety of skills.

Activity Centers

This area is designed primarily to encourage group interaction, though it may be used for individual projects as well. Each area will be equipped with a standard table and four chairs. Also included in these areas are the following:

Activity Center Standard Use

Dry Erase Board & White Board Capture    To brainstorm and present ideas, input, and information.
   Digital camera then preserves white board information.

Flip Chart    To provide a media for presentations.

Network Access    For use of laptop.

Cork Board Strip    To hang Flip Chart pages and projects.

Storage Closet For miscellaneous supplies: paper, markers, crayons, tape,
   pushpins, etc.

Video Viewer    Allows individual, small group viewing of videos.

With the equipment, materials, and supplies listed for the Activity Centers, this will foster a creative area for trainees/students to come together as a group for discussion, exercises, and brainstorming. It will also provide an area, which students can individually study or create.

Conference Room

This area is primarily designated for team meetings, luncheons and evaluations. It’s important to have an area where the team can see and speak to each other without hindrances, as well as to socialize for special occasions such as birthdays and company anniversaries. It’s also vital to have a private area in which to discuss personal issues one on one regarding such things as job performance and behavior.

Below are the items to be included in the Conference Room:

Conference Room Use

Board Table    Large enough to provide room for a team of 15, so
   pertinent materials may be utilized.

Executive Chairs    For comfort and support, as well for showing appreciation
   and importance to their position.

Cadenza    Stocked with luncheon paper goods and miscellaneous
   supplies (i.e. plates, cups, napkins, plastic-ware, salt,
   pepper, paper, steno pads, pencils, pens, markers, tape,
   etc.).

Video Conferencing (Screen, Phone, Jack)    For meetings with Satellite offices and companies.

Virtual Keyboard For note taking/minutes.

Dry Erase Board & White Board Capture    To brainstorm and present ideas, input, and information.
   Digital Camera preserves white board information.

Flip Chart    To provide a media for presentations.

Network Access    For use of laptop.

Cork Board Strip    To hang Flip Chart pages and projects.

PC Set-up (Printer, Scanner, Fax)    To be in corner, for use during meetings and a work area
   for visitors.

Utilizing human resources and the resources above, this Conference Room will stimulate discussion, problem solving, and morale boosting.

Trainer’s/Teachers Choice

As the trainer/teacher, I too will be equipped with ergonomically correct office furniture, technological equipment, as well as the various software applications. However, I have selected additional items to enhance the training/teaching process. They are as follows:

Trainer’s/Teacher’s Choice Use

PC Projector and Screen    For viewing screen processes, slide shows, videos, etc.
   Both will be electrically controlled to come from ceiling.
   By having equipment stored out of sight, it promotes a
   warmer atmosphere better associated with learning.

TV and VCR and Portable Stereo    For viewing videos and listening to audio tapes or music.
   To be stored in a built-in closet.

Smart Quiz    An interactive way to review materials.

Monitoring Device    Hardware and software that provides screens of what
   trainees are viewing in real time, and is capable of
   rewinding to follow their processes and progress.

The above additional medias will play an important role in enhancing the learning process. The monitoring device is imperative to capture what the trainee/student is actually learning. This documentation will be crucial for evaluations.

Conclusion

Utilizing human resources and the resources described above for the Work Stations, Activity Centers, Conference Room, and Trainer’s/Teacher’s Choice, you will possess a training/classroom that is well rounded in teaching both human and technical skills. The various settings will encourage, stimulate, and strengthen learning. It will touch all trainee’s/students and meet them with the media that best suits their learning needs.

After reviewing the list of space and equipment required, you may think you have stumbled upon the impossible. But to quote the original imagineer, Mr. Disney, once again, "It’s fun to do the impossible."

Enjoy!!

References

Pros and cons of "ergonomic"
office equipment.(n.d.) Retrieved
February 16, 2002 from
http://www.office-ergo.com/pros&.htm

Smart technologies, inc. (2002).
Retrieved February 18, 2002, from
http://www.smarttech.com/

Computer works: computer tools for
classroom participation. (n.d.).
Retrieved December 5, 2001, from
http://www.currentworksinc.com/

Walt disney’s 100th year celebration. (n.d.).
Retrieved February 18, 2002, from
http://www.justdisney.com/WaltDisney100/history.html

The invisible keyboard. (2002, February).
Popular Science, v.260, n.2, 16.
http://www.senseboard.com

EDT6020 Title / Annotate Articles / Instructional Unit

Ergonomic Equipment	Benefit(s)
Adjustable Desk Top	Allows adjustment of monitor up/down for best viewing.
Adjustable Keyboard Table	Allows adjustment of keyboard location up/down, in/out, for best typing posture. Also slides under Adjustable Desk for storage. This is beneficial for it reduces amount of dust and debris gathered on keyboard, and out of the way storage prevents "bumping" accidents.
Adjustable Chair	Allows adjustment of height for legs, back and arms. Also has lumbar adjustment. These adjustments will allow trainees to adjust positioning of chair to meet their individual body types for optimal posture positioning.
Wrist Pads	To decrease angle of wrist for less strain.

Technological Equipment	Benefit(s)
Laptop Computer with Docking Station	Allows trainees to take computer home to practice and study, while allowing them to hook up to the network while in the classroom, for optimal speed.
Flat Panel Monitor	Allows strain-less viewing, while taking less space on desktop.
Ergonomic Keyboard	Allows comfort and speed in typing, with less wrist strain.
Wireless Mouse	Allows freedom of movement and space. Will be time efficient, since will not get "snagged".
Colored Printer, Copier, Fax, and Scanner Combination	This equipment will save time and increase learning and promote customer satisfaction. The trainee will no longer have to go to the printer or copier, for it will be located under their desk top. Customers can now fax the trainee directly, increasing good customer relations. Printer and scanner will be utilized for training materials.
Re-Writable CD and DVD combination	Will allow trainees’ to save large documents, including screen prints in one area.
Digital Camera	Will allow trainees’ to take pictures on field trips, and report of their experiences and learnings.
Phone	This particular phone will have the capability of processing queues, as to identify call type. It will also allow call monitoring, conferencing, and transferring. Tracking call information will also be a function of this phone. It will include such things as length of call, wait, and hold, as well as other auxiliary items.
Wireless Headset	Will provide freedom of movement and comfort.

Software Applications	Use
Utility Billing System	A user friendly system that will accurately display customer, field, and billing information. Will easily allow corrections, and have a user friendly tracking and analysis system included.
Bill View Application	Will provide identical replication of customers’ bill. History retrievable, minimal of 3 years, then archived.
Training Region	Will allow practical practices, without disturbing actual accounts or departments.
Resource Management System	Will provide "Real Time" information regarding field orders.
Outage Management System	Will provide "Real Time" information regarding cause and status of outages.
Microsoft Office - Outlook Word Excel PowerPoint Publisher	To communicate within department and among other departments. To create letters, documentations. To create spreadsheets. To create presentations. To add creative input to documentations, presentations, etc.
Online Help Application	A user friendly application that will provide definitions, processes, and procedures of job related tasks.
Monitoring Application	Will allow listening and analysis of actual customer calls.
Intranet Access	To keep informed of company information.
Internet Access	To research job-related information, and keep abreast of market trends.

Activity Center Standard	Use
Dry Erase Board & White Board Capture	To brainstorm and present ideas, input, and information. Digital camera then preserves white board information.
Flip Chart	To provide a media for presentations.
Network Access	For use of laptop.
Cork Board Strip	To hang Flip Chart pages and projects.
Storage Closet	For miscellaneous supplies: paper, markers, crayons, tape, pushpins, etc.
Video Viewer	Allows individual, small group viewing of videos.

Conference Room	Use
Board Table	Large enough to provide room for a team of 15, so pertinent materials may be utilized.
Executive Chairs	For comfort and support, as well for showing appreciation and importance to their position.
Cadenza	Stocked with luncheon paper goods and miscellaneous supplies (i.e. plates, cups, napkins, plastic-ware, salt, pepper, paper, steno pads, pencils, pens, markers, tape, etc.).
Video Conferencing (Screen, Phone, Jack)	For meetings with Satellite offices and companies.
Virtual Keyboard	For note taking/minutes.
Dry Erase Board & White Board Capture	To brainstorm and present ideas, input, and information. Digital Camera preserves white board information.
Flip Chart	To provide a media for presentations.
Network Access	For use of laptop.
Cork Board Strip	To hang Flip Chart pages and projects.
PC Set-up (Printer, Scanner, Fax)	To be in corner, for use during meetings and a work area for visitors.

Trainer’s/Teacher’s Choice	Use
PC Projector and Screen	For viewing screen processes, slide shows, videos, etc. Both will be electrically controlled to come from ceiling. By having equipment stored out of sight, it promotes a warmer atmosphere better associated with learning.
TV and VCR and Portable Stereo	For viewing videos and listening to audio tapes or music. To be stored in a built-in closet.
Smart Quiz	An interactive way to review materials.
Monitoring Device	Hardware and software that provides screens of what trainees are viewing in real time, and is capable of rewinding to follow their processes and progress.