Welcome to SkillSoft Technology

Orientation This project made possible with funding by the Institute of Museum

and Library Services through the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Library and Development Services (DLDS).

Agenda

Welcome & Introductions Project Overview & Expectations Getting Started with SkillSoft

Registration, Course CatalogPlan Setup Reports and Certificates Navigation

Online Learner Success TipsLab Time!

Introductions

Name & Library Previous SkillSoft Participant? Favorite online learning experience

Our Objectives Today

You’ll be able to: State DLDS/library system expectationsLog on to SkillSoftNavigate and select your coursesDemonstrate working on a lesson Discuss success tipsEarn .2 CEU’s!

Project Overview

HistoryFY2006 – NETg – desktop onlyFY2007 – Thompson – added high techFY2008 – SkillSoft – new vendorFY2009 – SkillSoft – added business seats

PresentSeptember 8, 2008 - August 31, 2009 Vendor product is SkillSoft 218 IT participants statewide (460 total)

Expectations for Participants

DLDS requirements:Successfully complete 6 hours of courses

• Complete online assessments at 75% or higher

Participate in blended learning activities (ie discussion groups)Evaluate your experiences:

• Complete SkillSoft online evaluation form• Complete a final project evaluation

Expectations for Participants

Library system requirements:Select courses to completePrint your certificate from SkillSoftApply learning to a work project or communicationKeep your supervisor informedTake as many courses as possible during subscription time frame

CEU’s

CEU’s = Course duration x .10 (then round down) Best Practice-Print your report as soon as you complete a course Print a certificate when you finish the course and complete assessment with 75%

SkillSoft Technical Requirements

Basically need most current version of JAVA and Adobe FlashSelect Technical Support from left menu on your SkillSoft home page Select Browser Capabilities Check from Technical Support page

SkillSoft Technical Support SkillSoft Customer Support available 24/7 Select Technical Support from left menu on your SkillSoft home page Technical Support includes

Search Solutions FAQCreate a CaseLive Help

Email: support@skillsoft.comPhone: 1-866-SKIL-HELP ( 1-866-754-5435 )

Getting Started with SkillSoft

Go to MERLIN-www.merlin.lib.md.us

Select SkillSoft Login Link Login screen appears

Username = first initial and last name (example nbeegan for Nini Beegan)Password = welcome

MERLIN

Alternate Link

http://marylandlibraries.skillport.com

Logging In

SkillSoft Home Page

SkillSoft Catalog

Curricula Listings

Curriculum Listings for Desktop

Learning Tracks

Courses Learning Track

Opening Page of Course

Lesson Objectives

Adding to Your Plan

Complete Goal, Due Date & Reminder fields

Go To My Plan

My Plan View

Search

Running Your Reports

Running Your Reports

Print This Page After Each Completion

Printing Certificates

Access the My Report page Select the View Certificate control button next to the name of the completed learning event. The Certificate will open in a new window. Select File/Print

Navigation within SkillSoft

Lab Time

Take some time now to work on your first course!We’ll regroup in ___ minutes

Tips for Success

Meet with you supervisor to establish:Scheduling

• Chunk learning into at least one hour at a time• Formalize it – Add to your calendar and library

schedules

Equipment needs• PC needs to meet technical requirements• Headset is recommended

Suggestions for Supervisor Support

Provide a quiet workspaceSchedule uninterrupted time in blocks of at least 1 hourAlternately, offer time during a work week for participant to work offsite Inform branch/location colleagues that staff member will be taking part in online learning and earning CEU’s

Tips for Success (2)

Let co-workers know when you are learning online

Post signage stating that you are engaged in Online Training and when you will be available again AND/OR …Use a headset

Prepare your workspaceTurn off telephone ringer/pagers/cell phonesTurn off email and instant message alerts

Questions?

Thank you!