UK Training Industry Press Releases

A survey of over 2,500 Training managers, HR managers and Learning and Development professionals conducted by the IITT in July 2010 found that over 60% of respondents intended to use web conferencing systems more over the next 12 months, with 36% expecting to maintain their current usage levels.

Colin Steed, Chief Executive, IITT, said: "The findings of our survey are an encouraging sign for the industry and I'm sure there are a number of contributing factors. The economic climate will have certainly forced a few people's hands into adopting the software as a way to cut costs. The software itself has also evolved to be more sophisticated and price competitive.

"However for me, the major factor in the uptake of collaborative technologies is the change in adoption techniques. The motivation is obvious, the technology advanced, but changing the cultural-behavior of an organisation is often the major barrier. People are used to doing things in person and people are used to picking up the phone, so often they just go back to doing things the way they used to."

Steed believes that successful adopters of the technology are now focusing more on breaking down these cultural barriers. He said: "Organisations are beginning to realise that in order to generate a return on investment you need a product champion. Having someone to "hand hold" employees through the process is the only way to gain the highest adoption rates and generate the greatest value.

"With this in mind the IITT has recently developed a Certified Online Learning Facilitator programme. The course is designed to equip delegates with the skills needed to maximise the engagement of remote participants, develop and produce engaging and interactive online content and provides the techniques necessary for driving adoption throughout the organisation."

A copy of the survey is available exclusively to IITT members. For further information contact the Institute on telephone: 0845 006 8858.

For further information on the Certified Online Learning Facilitator programme e-mail:mharland@iitt.org.uk or telephone: 0845 006 8858.

-       Ends         -

Notes to Editors:

The IITT is a self-governing, not-for-profit professional body for training professionals. It was established in 1995 and since then has grown on an annual basis. In February 2010 the Institute completed a management buyout from membership and research organisation, the National Computing Centre and is now a self-governing body.

Today, the organisation has circa 3,500 individual members and 400 accredited corporate members.

Through a range of membership, certification, accreditation, events and bespoke consultancy services, the Institute focuses on enhancing and recognising the skills and professional status of individuals and organisations engaged in training activities, and assessing the quality of training services.

NB: This news release is issued in accordance with Clause 1.2j of the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion and therefore cannot be subject to a transaction of any kind.