I did this once before where I spent a lot of time preparing and hardly anytime presenting. It fell apart because of this, as when we are busy the preparation that takes hours, takes a back seat. We are going into an age of unprecedented growth and I want to spend a hour a week with staff going through a learning program. I can't find people as it is now, so, why not make the ones we have better? In a perfect world, I would have something for the staff to watch or a canned program to speak and demonstrate from and then have a discussion period before heading out for the day. I know I am not going to find that for all that we do, such as the 3D printing and modeling for 3D printing, but, I am hoping to find something that already exists to use as a basis. From how to mark stakes (huge argument and discussion to follow), to site safety, to boundary law, to scan cloud modeling, to GPS tech, more practical theory than push this, then that, in other words not really software dependent. I don't even have to agree with the presentation, as it is very important to assess two different opinions to come to your own conclusions. So the question is "does anyone know of a canned curriculum for sale like I am looking for?" I did look for a thread on this subject, so, if I missed it, .. sorry.
Not sure there is a "canned cirriculum". Many of these tasks are vendor and/or software specific. For instance I have workflows for the Topcon products, Bentley Microstation/InRoads, and Pix4D products. But that won't help much if you are using Trimble, Civil3D and AgiSoft PhotoScan.
Lee, I think you are at the center of the issue I am trying to avoid. I would like it to be non vendor reliant, so, it just may not exist. One of the things I did before was buy a large supply of the Schaum's outline on surveying. They are actually very good for the basics, it was getting beyond the basics where it got time consuming. I want curriculum that makes the chainman pester the PC all day with questions, .. OK, pipe dream engagement.
Your point is definitely valid, so, maybe this is an opportunity for a business model, if there is enough interest
Whenever possible, get your staff to teach the things you want them to know.
Keep the topics succinct.
Keep the training time short.
Assign topics to folks that know that topic fairly well (but aren't experts) and you'll find that they fill out their knowledge.
Have the presenter give you an outline the day before the presentation - the outline helps them consolidate their thoughts and you can make sure that the info they present is in-line with the message that you want your staff to hear.
When someone who isn't an expert teaches they bring a perspective of a new learner - this makes the info relatable.
This also helps all of your staff become better communicators.
Remember who stepped up to the plate when giving out bonuses and raises - these folks are helping to develop a culture of learning.
Yes there is cost associated with this - but I believe it's money well spent.
Something like his may require pizza and/or beer. If done first thing Monday morning, coffee, donuts and bagels are an alternative.
Paul in PA
What's wrong with pizza and beer first thing Monday morning?
Beer Legs, post: 406692, member: 33 wrote: What's wrong with pizza and beer first thing Monday morning?
Because at 7:30 AM most beer is warm and flat and the pizza is cold.
I know. It's what I had for breakfast.
Norm Larson, post: 406649, member: 7899 wrote: I did this once before where I spent a lot of time preparing and hardly anytime presenting. It fell apart because of this, as when we are busy the preparation that takes hours, takes a back seat. We are going into an age of unprecedented growth and I want to spend a hour a week with staff going through a learning program. I can't find people as it is now, so, why not make the ones we have better? In a perfect world, I would have something for the staff to watch or a canned program to speak and demonstrate from and then have a discussion period before heading out for the day. I know I am not going to find that for all that we do, such as the 3D printing and modeling for 3D printing, but, I am hoping to find something that already exists to use as a basis. From how to mark stakes (huge argument and discussion to follow), to site safety, to boundary law, to scan cloud modeling, to GPS tech, more practical theory than push this, then that, in other words not really software dependent. I don't even have to agree with the presentation, as it is very important to assess two different opinions to come to your own conclusions. So the question is "does anyone know of a canned curriculum for sale like I am looking for?" I did look for a thread on this subject, so, if I missed it, .. sorry.
Norm,
First off something jumped off your post at me: "How to mark stakes.." I've got a simple answer for that...mark them like the boss wants them. Next subject?
What I've found really effective (once you can corral everyone into one room) is to zoom-in on specific problems rather than attempt to find or create an entire agenda. Something as simple as 'how and what the field crews turn in to whoever's next' if the entire office is involved. Keeping it to the point can be like herding cats, but "one subject" I have found to be more effective and gets more people involved.
Safety, on the other hand, should really be a weekly discussion with the field hands.
Herding cats, .. yes, I have done this before and know how wonderful cats are with direction. Unfortunately, since we have crews it has to be done first thing in the morning so pizza and beer are out and in with biscuits and gravy.
If I can't find an itinerary, I will have no choice but to go to the scholar of the week type schedule.
Norm,
There are PDH providers out there who have compiled tons of this stuff. McCissock is one that comes to mind. I'll bet if you contact them they will suggest some good stuff.
That sounds like what I am looking for, thanks!
McCissock is, at least, kicking the idea around about making content for a weekly presentation for the staff. I bet they would do it if more inquired.
You might want to check this out:
http://www.geo-learn.com/course-catalog/
I have not yet taken one of their courses, but having folks like Dave Doyle as part of their teaching team has gotten my interest.
Your avatar is priceless ... and thank you very much for the link
I ended up showing Geolearn by turning one of my monitors around to show the troops. They break their presentations down to roughly 15 minute movies which works very well for a discussion about it. We had very interested and questioning chainmen and PC's, as we were covering things they had never been exposed too. I am getting requests for what they thought we need to have covered as well, which is just great. I didn't see in the Geolearn legal stuff that I couldn't show it while I watched, so, I am going with it. All of the office staff skipped it, .. bastards
Maybe if I add the PancakeBot and print some pancakes for breakfast while we learn. I could grab a quick outline of the presenter and serve them, LOL
Any locals are welcome to attend, 6:00am on Wednesdays
