Basic IT Skills

[Mel_16]

Hello, as Network Manager I have been tasked to create a series of workshops for our admin staff and need to teach them "basic IT skills" which they are currently lacking. I am struggling to think of content for these workshops because I'm not sure what they are expected to know, assuming they can type into Microsoft Word. I've managed to think of a couple of things such as making labels, mail merging, creating tables, spreadsheets (a bit vague) but they don't know anything about using excel. I was just wondering if anyone had any other ideas of what admin staff should know how to do IT-wise. Thought I might be able to get a few ideas I haven't thought of yet. Realistically, they should already know how to do all of these things, but alas- they don't know most of it.

 

I might add using the MIS to part-2, I'll probably just focus on Microsoft Office in the first instance and see how that goes.

[foofighterjim]

I would start by making a survey asking staff how confident they feel at doing various things that relate to their role. Once you have data like that you can highlight common or key areas where people feel that their lacking. The only problem with this approach is that people can sometimes over estimate their own competence, in this case you could talk to line managers about any improvement points that may have arisen from performance reviews.

[bossman]

@Mel_16

 

It should not be down to you to train staff on basic computer skills, they should already have these as part of the job specification, I would go back to your line manager and suggest that all the admin staff do the ECDL certification and this should cover all aspects of basic computer skills (Basic being the word) your remit is to support IT but not to train as this is a teaching skill which you probably do not get the remuneration for.

 

How did you learn to use a computer? specific training is required just as admin staff require specific training this should be initialised by the school in proper training package as part of their CPD and delivered as part of a certified course.

[DavR]

I got tentatively asked about this for Office skills a while back, and tbh, I'm not dead keen on the idea of being a trainer. One to one maybe, but leading a session no thank you.

 

I responded with links to online tutorial videos. There's nothing about basic computer skills (and more) that isn't out there online for free.

[clockend25]

We used Microsoft IT Academy in the past. We did a session on a training day to introduce it and then let people work at their own pace and to their existing skill level.

[Fazza]

ECDL is probably the best way forward.

 

Assuming you're confident with your Office skills then go to the ECDL website (ECDL / ICDL Syllabus - ECDL Foundation) and download their Syllabus. You can then use that as a framework on what you are going to teach them.

 

 

 

We used Microsoft IT Academy in the past. We did a session on a training day to introduce it and then let people work at their own pace and to their existing skill level.

 

We've used that in the past too as it was basically cheap and all online self-paced learning. Sadly the uptake was quite low so we scrapped it.

Edited May 26, 2016 by Fazza

[stickman]

@Mel_16

 

It should not be down to you to train staff on basic computer skills, they should already have these as part of the job specification, I would go back to your line manager and suggest that all the admin staff do the ECDL certification and this should cover all aspects of basic computer skills (Basic being the word) your remit is to support IT but not to train as this is a teaching skill which you probably do not get the remuneration for.

 

How did you learn to use a computer? specific training is required just as admin staff require specific training this should be initialised by the school in proper training package as part of their CPD and delivered as part of a certified course.

 

Re: the bold... I think this hits the nail on the head, you're being asked to solve a problem that shouldn't exist. Nearly all admin job specs state 'Strong IT skills' as a required skill, if this hasn't been confirmed as a part of the recruitment process then it needs changing to make sure it catches this, otherwise and in the meantime ECDL is a good solution.

 

All of our admin job candidates sit a basic practical IT task as a part of the interview process.

[Lonix]

Re: the bold... I think this hits the nail on the head, you're being asked to solve a problem that shouldn't exist. Nearly all admin job specs state 'Strong IT skills' as a required skill, if this hasn't been confirmed as a part of the recruitment process then it needs changing to make sure it catches this, otherwise and in the meantime ECDL is a good solution.

 

All of our admin job candidates sit a basic practical IT task as a part of the interview process.

 

Spot on. Sounds like the place has employed the wrong staff to do the job. People generally may lack confidence in IT but that's usually troubleshooting and using new tech - not day to day usage of OFFICE programs.

 

Although from a personal point of view I don't mind dealing with training, something else for my CV.

[adamholt1]

@Mel_16

 

It should not be down to you to train staff on basic computer skills, they should already have these as part of the job specification, I would go back to your line manager and suggest that all the admin staff do the ECDL certification and this should cover all aspects of basic computer skills (Basic being the word) your remit is to support IT but not to train as this is a teaching skill which you probably do not get the remuneration for.

 

How did you learn to use a computer? specific training is required just as admin staff require specific training this should be initialised by the school in proper training package as part of their CPD and delivered as part of a certified course.

 

 

As much as I agree with you in principal with what your saying. Yes they should have good/strong basic IT skills to work in admin. However, if you're asked to help and train people then why not do it? You still get paid either way. If anything it's only developing yourself too and adding another feather to your bow as such? As well as keeping the right people on side instead of fighting with them.

 

Just my thoughts and how I would approach it.

[strawberry]

Surely the IT teachers would be on top of this? ....

 

Call It CPD and give them ECDL booklets.

[Leeoakley]

Why not try and help? Regardless of what the situation should be (they should have those skills), they don't, so why not give it a crack. If you want any advice (I organise training delivery and logistics for living), then drop me a PM.

 

I'm sure I can drop you over some bits and pieces that will help to sort out who needs what so you can plan what you need to do.

 

The only issue with online/lab materials is that if somebody isn't IT confident to start with they will generally struggle.

 

Good luck!

Edited June 2, 2016 by Leeoakley

[enjay]

I won't add to the "why are you doing this?" as I think both sides of that have now been covered, plus you know your job description/expectations and the level of need your staff have - and therefore how much easier you might be able to make your life by doing this - but I will say this:

 

If you end up delivering something, make it specific to the school and their job requirements, perhaps speak to one of the more IT-savvy admin users and find out the functions they use, then teach on those (or team-teach it with that IT-savvy admin person).

 

I have in the past delivered an inset session on "Excel for teachers", where I looked at the sort of formulas which can be useful in data analysis (percentage, countif, average), filters and conditional formatting. Also, our new staff induction covers the things which are a bit specific to us, e.g. Google Apps, which you can't necessarily expect someone to know how to use.

[pete]

We lean towards picking one or two "experts" in the dept/office and giving them formal training (usually online, sometimes one-on-one) and then they train the rest of the office and act as a local resource. It does rely on the office/dept being sane and on good terms with each other, but it generally works.

 

I'd bill whichever dept hired them without checking they met the basic job requirements.

[hardtailstar]

Start with a survey of staff, I am doing something similar after being asked to train staff,

 

I found that many of the staff didnt know some basic things so starting with those and then doing what i have been asked.