Welcome to Training-Modules.com - providing Instructor and Participant Guides for learning and application on the job.

Chart your course, let the learning begin, and shoot for the stars!

Watch and listen to the Commencement Speech delivered by Susan for the Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati.

See Susan in action and read what attendees have said about her training.

Training-Modules.com, LLC provides Instructor and Participant Guides for organizations that have their employees deliver the training. Generic and customized modules and seminars are available, as are coaching services. Emphasis is on performance outcomes through the use of highly interactive simulations, games, and activities.

Susan Otto - ASTD Though we like fun and games in the classroom, if they don’t add to the content, we don’t include them. You'll never find "ice breakers" and "afternoon stretches" in our guides unless they are relevant to the subject matter.

Clients like our material because it isn't all lecture and rarely uses PowerPoints, but rather, provides lots of interaction among participants. We want you to be able to get and hold your participants’ attention!

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"…most talented Instructional Designer I know."

- Antonia Comer, Director Training and Organizational Development, General Cable

"Among my friends and colleagues, Susan Otto has the unique talent for combining solid content with engaging activities."

- Sivasailam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan, The Thiagi Group

"Coaching is more meaningful now than ever in our stretched-ever-so-thin workforce. Thank you for creating this practical, reliable tool!"

- Carolyn Kinser, Learning Manager, Churchill Downs Incorporated

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Recent News

As most of you know, I create Facilitator and Participant Guides for organizations who want to do their own internal facilitation. In my training, the facilitator uses flip charts and markers to convey the information. Watch this TED talk by Simon Sinek to see how powerful these simple tools can be...how they can engage the listener.

Besides being informative, Simon's talk on leadership is fascinating. Oh, and here's my "why," though I fall victim to the "what" - I want to ensure that facilitators are highly successful in the training session so that participants walk away with opportunities to improve their life.

Product Showcase

Training Modules I've just updated my Teams: You and the Environment module. This is my "catch all" team module, because it focuses on the miscellaneous aspects that did not seem to fit in the other team modules - yet are important to team success. The module is sold for $5,000. For the rest of July, I am selling the module for $4,500...a $500 savings!

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Otto's Toot

Congratulations! You've just been promoted. One of your new responsibilities is to provide training for people who use your product. So, where do you begin? Perhaps it will help to start with the ADDIE model. The five phases for creating training:

Analysis is the process of gathering data to identify specific needs - the who, what, where, when, and why of the design process.
Design is the planning stage.
Development is the phase where training materials and content are selected and developed based on the learning objectives.
Implementation occurs when the course is delivered, whether in person or electronically.
Evaluation is the ongoing process of developing and improving instructional materials based on feedback received during and following implementation.

Now, consider whether any of these phases are already completed. If so, move to the next phase, but only if you feel comfortable with the effectiveness of the previous phase. If all the training phases are complete, perhaps you should roll through the process again to ensure that the training's effective.

(For more information on designing, developing, and documenting training, check out our Designing Training for Fun and Results Training Kit and eWorkbook.)

Remember, submit your tips or ideas on designing, developing, and/or documenting training to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Site Additions

Susan's Picks is now featuring:

Affiliate Marketing Partner: Deborah Thomas is an expert in developing powerful game-based, serious play learning design, which provides a process of immersion whereby a person's attention is fully engaged in the training and results in learning. Deborah is the owner of SillyMonkey - Learn fast, remember more, and have fun doing it!
Recommended Resources: HR Net is a free message board for people interested in all facets of Human Resources. There are categories ranging from Training Issues to Employee Relations to Compensation and Benefits.
Book Review: Work Smart, Not Hard by Jane Shulte

We've added more articles to our website.

Lecturette by Deb Thomas
The Meeting Agenda Details by Susan Otto

Noteworthy

Most of you have heard me go on and on about the North American Simulations and Gaming Association, or what I fondly refer to as NASAGA. I have attended NASAGA for 15 years...in a row. I am always renewed and rejuvenated after attending this intimate and engaging conference. I come home with tons of ideas to share with others.

Please consider attending the NASAGA conference this year. It is in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The theme is a Chance on Knowledge, Skill, and Learning. The conference is October 13 through the 16th. I can tell you from experience, it's worth the investment. Early registration ends at the end of July, so sign up soon to get the discounted rate!

Register Now

My car is back for good since the damage from the accident has been repaired. I'm enjoying my drives with the convertible top down and the wind moving through my hair.

Don't forget to check out my blog to read a variety of thoughts and ideas that course through my mind. I'm also adding an occasional picture - taken by me, of course.

Susan Otto