Delivering Results Part I
I have talked quite a bit in this blog about successful awareness training program factors, yet, I keep hearing stories from clients and friends about awareness training programs that are just not able to deliver.
The success of a security awareness program really depends upon the delivery of the information and how it is tailored for each audience. Security awareness training should be delivered to end users in each department as well as incorporated into new employee orientation. This can be administered using an online training format in small learning bites that are easily digestible and delivered per month or quarter or through instructor-led sessions or smaller, informal lunch and learn's. For managers and executives it may be more receptive if delivered in an instructor-led session format or online but with lessons geared toward IT risks that managers/executives need to be aware of.
When considering training options for your employees you will need to consider both instructor led and online learning formats. In security awareness training there are instances when both are required. If you need to conduct general end user security awareness training, online training options have certain efficiencies and cost advantages. Cost factors include course development, instructor time, instructor salaries, preparation time, classroom costs, travel expenses, material costs and employees time.
Other factors that are not included when looking at costs are the speed of delivery of the training and the instructional efficiency. Instructional efficiency is where all of the information delivered leads to learning that improves performance (reference - Moran, J.V. 2002 - ROI for E-Learning http://wwwlearningcircuits.org/2002/feb2002/moran.html). Online learning's advantage over instructor-led training is that it can be delivered in a timely, consistent way with the ability to easily update materials.
In the second part of this series, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages for the learner from both a delivery and efficiency factor. Stay tuned!
