Page 183 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 05 11/20/02 12:13 PM Page 172
172 The Creative Training Idea Book
Electrical Sources and Controls
Many training rooms are designed by non-
trainers and without consultation with the
people who will actually use them. As a
result, it is not unusual for you to have
limited access to controls and electrical
plugs. Often the controls for lighting,
sound, and temperature will be located in
the back of the room away from where
you are standing.
An ideal training environment will have
ample electrical outlets spaced approximately
every 6–8 feet to allow access to various training
and computer equipment. There should definitely
be one multiple plug outlet at the front of the room
approximately 6–8 feet from the wall. Having maximum
outlets provides flexibility in designing training activities and in using a variety of train-
ing aids and equipment. One backup plan for any training program is to have a multi-
ple plug extension cord that is at least 25 feet in length, just in case outlets are not read-
ily available or working. Light controls should be found at both the front and back of
the room for ease of access no matter where you are located as a facilitator.

BRIGHT I DEA
Increasing Your Training Options
epending on your session topic, consider setting up either VCR/monitor or
Dpersonal computer (PC) stations along the walls of your training room. You can
then have small groups work through either video or CD-ROM scenarios related to
the program topic or through self-paced instruction lessons to address issues or
problem solve. They can then report back to the rest of the class. In addition, you
can have them electronically review key session concepts.

Acoustics and Sound
Too often a trainer or presenter will opt not to use a microphone because he or she feels
he or she has a sufficiently loud voice, yet people in the rear of the room cannot hear
what is said. When this occurs, frustration results because learning is not transferred. In
effect, those who cannot hear are wasting valuable time sitting in the room and often
either tune out or leave. It is critical that everyone in the room is able to hear what you
and others say. Otherwise objectives will not be met and your effectiveness and profes-
sional image will be reduced significantly.