(by 3 people)
It is challenging as a training professional to know what products truly provide value. I've compiled this list of top ten products for training professionals from many of my partners in learning over the years. I constantly revise it, so you are able to maximize your investment.
Below are some web links I use frequently in designing training programs or continuing my own development as a learning professional.
Buy Top Ten Products from Amazon
Honeywell Power Presenter Kit - Transmitter Receiver Cables Case
This little remote is a wonder. It fits easily in your hand, requires no software (drivers) to use... All you do is plug it in to a computers USB, view your slide show, and forward and reverse your slides with ease. It also has a laser pointer to emphasize key parts of your slide while presenting.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)
Macromedia Captivate
This software allows you to create custom training on any software package of your choice. You can develop an elearning course for a proprietary piece of software and have the user feel as if they are actually using the software. You can even create software assessments to test to see if your users really know how to use a piece of software. From a simple demo to a complex assessment, this software does it all and the initial learning curve is not that steep at all.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)
SanDisk SDCZ2-4096-A10 4 GB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Drive (Retail Package)
Every trainer needs to have a Flash drive these days. Use this large capacity drive to transfer videos and large powerpoints from one computer to the next. Also carry a copy of your presentation on one of these, in case your laptop hard drive fails or you are otherwise required to use someone else's computer to give your presentation.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)
Plantronics DSP-500 Digitally-Enhanced USB Gaming/Multimedia Stereo Headset and Software
I use my Plantronics headset for just about everything... It works great with my voice recognition software and I also use it to record all my elearning courses. You will likely need to position the microphone slightly off to the side (despite what the instructions say) to achieve the best sound.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)
The New Mager Six-Pack
If I had to pick just one training book - - well in this case, six - - I would choose Mager's Six-Pack. In this series, he describes all of the essentials of being a good trainer in a concise format that is engaging and will likely change the way you think about learning. Buy this one today and you won't regret it.
Amazon Price: $122.00 (as of 10/07/2008)
Buy Top Ten from Amazon
Camtasia Studio V 4
This software suite is a must-have for any trainin more...0 points
Links for Training Professionals
- American Society of Training and Development
- The number one organization for training and development professionals. The magazine itself it worth the membership alone, let alone the fantastic events and web resources this assication provides.
- Chief Learning Officer
- And they say nothing in life is free... This is an excellent publication for individuals in higher-level training positions. The articles are written by some of the greatest training professionals around - in some companies that are doing incredible work in this area of business.
- Dr. Merrill's Instructional Design Website
- This website is not being recommended for its looks, but rather for its great content. If you want to change how you think about designing training, this is the place to go...
- How Stuff Works
- I find myself referencing this website almost every time I'm designing a class. I will warn you, though - it is addictive.
- Brandon Hall (eLearning)
- This site offers a host of terrific resources for people who are designing elearning courses or looking to add a learning management system...
- Innovate Learning
- This site offers elearning courses about presentations skills and how to develop courses. Also included are book reviews and resources for training professionals.
- Beyond Bullets
- It is time we all changed the way we use PowerPoint. Leverage the power of visual images and revolt against the bulleted list. This book and accompanying website are a terrific resource.
- Rapid eLearning Blog
- Best resource I've found for ongoing guidance in developing eLearning. The author is down to earth and writes for those of us living & working in the real world.
