Customer Reviews

The Complete Computer Trainer

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a human resources and workforce learning/performance professional who has managed and executed all phases of end-user training at various times since 1982, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Although "Encouraging Independence" should be required for all novice computer instructors regardless of where they teach, it still serves as an excellent reminder for the more experienced. (I'm revamping some courseware as a result of that chapter.) "Training Delivery" provides a great outline for a train-the-computer trainer program. And for senior practitioners like me, "Trainer Development" and "Adapting to the Learner" are simply superb. (In the latter, he offers tips for handling different types of knowledge gaps plus cognitive and psychomotor challenges. With congenital and acquired neuropsychological disorders on the rise--meaning greater, not fewer, individuals with these conditions in the workplace now and in the future--plus the aging workforce, such issues have begged to be addressed in books on instructor effectiveness. Clothier rises to the occasion beautifully.) On a lighter note, I'm relieved to read Clothier's recall of an irony I've had: that limited sleep the night before a class has led to greater instructional effectiveness, adrenalin rushes notwithstanding!

Like most people in the business world today, my position entails multiple jobs and responsibilities. One of those is an in-house training program. Because I have little teaching experience, this was a great book to help me get started by presenting the basics of everything from classroom set-up to learning and teaching personalities. Great book for the novice, and gives great ideas for the old-hatters.

While doing a university course I searched for training books specific to computer training and was finding it very difficult. I discovered Paul Clothier's articles in IT Training magazine and then bought this book. It has been invaluable, not only for the course, but also for my job as computer trainer in a publishing company. I particularly like his anecdotes which show how he has learned from his experiences - sometimes the hard way! There are lots of visuals too, which suits my learning style. A great book to pick up and dip into - it is next to my computer at all times!

I have been teaching computer classes for over 5 years. I learn something new everytime I read this book. This book contains many of the things I tell my friends who are struggling with trying to do computer training. I think this book would be good for any company that is interested in computer training.

This is the only book that I have seen which deals with IT training - even as an experienced trainer I still got ideas from it.

Just after reading a few pages I already had enough ideas on how to change my training practices that I made changes on my next course (which was the next day).

I will continue to read, and review everything in this book.

Read it, don't miss out!

This is the only book that I have seen which deals with IT training - even as an experienced trainer I still got ideas from it.

Just after reading a few pages I already had enough ideas on how to change my training practices that I made changes on my next course (which was the next day).

I will continue to read, and review everything in this book.

Read it, don't miss out!

While helping to design a huge PeopleSoft training program for my company - we had about 1,500 people to train - I read everthing I could find about teaching software to people. This was one of the best books I found on the subject. If you have to teach people about computers - either one on one or, as in my case, hundreds of people - you won't go wrong with this book.

I found the information in this book helpful from the very first page. The tips Mr. Clothier shares in his book are very practical and specific, from writing course material to dealing with "difficult" students. Although the print date is almost ten years old, I found the information to be quite relevant even today. I am not certain, however, whether it is worth the $110 price currently listed. I paid $40 used, and I don't regret a penny that I spent. I keep it at my desk and refer to it often as a refresher.