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Humourous video wows the training industry
Added: (Mon Jun 27 2005)
Press release: humorous video wows the training industry
28 June 2005
An amateur publicity video is achieving cult status within the training industry, particularly amongst IT trainers. The video, entitled The IT Training Transformation Show, tells the tale of a trainer who realises the importance of not leading learners around like dogs a lead, which is a metaphor painted explicitly within the 2.5 minute video.
The trainer is seen setting the objectives “you will be able to bark in accordance with guidelines, and without reference to notes”, whilst his learners – with faces painted like dogs – look on suitably bored. By the end of the tale, however, the trainer has learnt the error of being overly controlling, and we see the learners change back into human beings.
The video received over 600 viewings within the first 3 days of its launch, and has since averaged a further 70 viewings every day.
John Salt, Partner at The Fourth Level, explained the reason for producing the video. “Through the IT Training Transformation Show we’re spreading the message, albeit with tongues in our cheeks, that training needs to be about helping people to learn-to-learn. If a trainer leads people through a task or a topic, all those learners can then do is repeat what they did in the training.
“Whereas if a trainer helps people to wrestle with and problem-solve the topic”, continues Salt”, then they will be better prepared to deal with the variety, complexity and pace of change of the real world”.
As to the source of the idea, Salt explains that it came from a trainer who had completed The Fourth Level’s ‘ROLF for Trainers’ programme and who commented that “In retrospect, I regret how I’ve always controlled my delegates, like dogs on a short lead”. And so the video’s theme was born.
The Fourth Level’s ROLF for Trainers programme - ROLF being an acronym of Results-Orientated Learning Facilitation - is a 3-month conversion programme for trainers, to help them make the change from, as Salt puts it, “being the sage on the stage to the guide on the side”. It commences with a 3-day course, followed by coaching, study and assessments over the 3-month period.
But why has the video proved so popular? “Two reasons”, speculates Salt. “I think the amateurishness of the video is appealing. You can tell that these are real people, making real fools of themselves. And second, I suspect that many trainers recognise and are amused by the analogy. It rings a bell with people. Possibly Pavlov’s bell.”
The IT Training Transformation Show can be seen on The Fourth Level’s website, www.thefourthlevel.com or you can link directly to the video here: http:\\www.thefourthlevel.com\pages\training\R4T_video.htm
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Further information:
The Fourth Level is “the training professional’s secret”. It provides learning development services to members of the training industry; supplies freelance trainers; and provides consultancy and training project services.
Contact:
Maria Smith, Partner
Tel: 07773 421239
Email: maria.smith@thefourthlevel.com
www.thefourthlevel.com