All these issues can be addressed by subscribing to satellite televideo training, courtesy of more than 100 organizations, universities and associations in the United States alone. Governments across the country are tapping into this network of training resources, which vary from specific nuts-and-bolts programs on public safety and information technology to broader managerial topics such as process reengineering.
Organizations have found satellite training an easy way to inform their members and clients about new products, ideas and management theory. Local governments are a natural audience. Today, cities and counties are expected to remain up-to-date on the most current trends and technologies while remaining as cost-efficient and competitive as possible when spending tax dollars.
The Innovation Groups (IG) surveyed more than 400 local government managers and personnel officers regarding their use of satellite training. According to the survey, most governments with known downlink capability were familiar with the productions sent from their local university or cable council, or generated from memberships in such management organizations as the National League of Cities (NLC), IG, International City/County Management Association. (ICMA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Also, large associations such as the American Water Works Association, the Federal Emergency Management Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offer programming on specific and job-related training. This type of programming is frequently coordinated through university and private sites as well as government downlinks to ensure accessibility to all levels.
"Our goals are shifting to accommodate more of the front-line operators," said Jay Fermaglich of the American Water Works Association. "When a manager wants to attend a workshop, he pencils it in on his schedule, lets his boss (and secretary) know where he will be, and leaves the office. Life in the office goes on if he is gone for several hours. But when treatment plant operators want to view a teleconference, they can't just leave without a complex scheduling situation. Without proper shift coverage (and rescheduling), a treatment plant operator's absence can mean a public health issue, particularly in small water systems in which there may be just one or two operators on a given shift. Bringing training programs closer to the workplace is essential. We need to bring the program to the operator and not make the operator travel to come to the program."
So how useful is satellite televideo in today's "who has time/money/staff for training" atmosphere? The IG survey also asked how respondents viewed the true practicality of satellite training:
"Satellite training provides a variety of training opportunities with minimal coordination and travel costs." -- Patt Lilly, president, St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, Mo.
"Satellite Training should allow for reduced training costs in the long run. I think it will be the wave of the future." -- Trey Yelverton, Arlington, Texas.
The future does indeed look bright for satellite teleconferences and training programs. This training option offers jurisdictions a convenient, cost-effective and timely way to train different departments and offices at the same time. Access to the trainer is assured through live, interactive broadcasts, with questions taken via phone and fax. Cost is minimized due to the large number of people you can train with a single program. With many satellite training organizations, your jurisdiction can actually make money by marketing the programs to neighboring jurisdictions, earning a percentage of seat sales.
Another encouraging development for satellite trainers is the support and enthusiasm of the private sector. In a recent joint effort, IG partnered with Quarterdeck to produce a seminar on new Internet software technologies. "While introducing thousands of new viewers to the benefits of satellite training, the program also gave Quarterdeck an avenue to reach new sales markets," said Les Branning, director of Research & Development and Corporate Services for IG. "And in a special segment after the regular broadcast, Quarterdeck was allowed to showcase products and services," he added.
However, many governments are presently outside the learning curve of these new opportunities. "Due to the comparatively new technology involved, many of today's senior managers have not fully embraced distance learning," said Tom Mauter, training administrator of Fairfax County, Va. "Watching TV is still not viewed by the 'old school' as a viable method of training."
Conversely, many "new-schoolers" have trouble justifying a long-term investment in downlink equipment and reception software. The good news is that they may not have to buy hardware if they have agreements and connections to local cable providers who already access this technology.
If you do find yourself with no other option than to buy a dish, first attend a few teleconferences at a neighboring jurisdiction or university. Make sure you know what you're defending, and make sure you know how you plan to use the technology.
If you are investing in satellite televideo training, be realistic as to how much a two-dimensional program can accomplish. Shorter, fast-paced programs may not give indepth training, but they are helpful in building your staff awareness in new service areas and innovative technologies. Even with speaker interaction, not everyone's question can be answered in a set amount of time.
"Plan to balance what is presented via satellite with onsite follow-up and discussion," added Mauter. "Localize what you've seen to your own jurisdictional applications, and get away from the looking, listening and leaving concept."
If you plan to subscribe to a six-hour broadcast, consider the attention span of your audience -- even true Scarlett fans can rarely take sitting through the entire Gone With The Wind series in one day. Many providers allow you to tape broadcasts, enabling you to set up replays as training modules.
Finally, be selective. Not everything out there is right for you and your staff. Ask questions about upcoming broadcasts, details about speaker backgrounds, and if possible, find out who the program developers had in mind when they researched the topic. If you mismatch broadcasts with your training needs too often, you will lose support and attendance. However, the right balance can give your training program a boost from top experts, introduce you to the latest concepts, and save you a pretty penny in the long run.
Dixie Varnum Gillman is the director of Satellite Training Services for The Innovation Groups Inc. IG is a not-for-profit membership-based organization that serves local governments through training, research and network opportunities. For more information call: 813/622-8484.
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Training by
satellite is
becoming a
reality. But
what's available
and how does
one connect?
MAKING IT WORK
Your jurisdiction may have an agreement and fiber-optic/cable connection with a local cable access provider. This provider should have the ability to downlink satellite broadcasts and forward programs to your training facility via a government access channel or other link. Contact your telecommunications department to see if you have this less expensive alternative.
If you plan to purchase satellite reception equipment, you should work with a local vendor who can install and service the system as needed. Cost ranges from $2,500-$20,000, depending on any special features you wish to include. Your vendor can give you specific recommendations, i.e. where to mount equipment, how to program the receiver, etc.
Both Ku- and C-band reception are options for your satellite package. Many programs are only broadcast on one of these popular bands, so if you want to take full advantage of the training options "out there," both should be considered carefully.
Normally, C-band reception requires the heavy, unwieldy piece of equipment that comes to mind when you think of satellite dishes. This equipment, though larger and more cumbersome, can also access Ku-band reception, which requires a Ku-feed horn. Across the board, C-band signals are stronger and easier to find via your dish, and are more reliable for reception in regions affected by inclement weather.
The Ku-band can be received using the sleeker, more refined model of dish, popular due to its small size and small price tag. However, Ku-reception is not recommended for picture-perfect, nationwide broadcasts, where topography and weather patterns may interrupt service to some regions. Also, the Ku-band broadcasts are difficult to locate via your receiver unless you are well-practiced in "tweaking."
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