Hybrid Reference and Training Pattern

This is a pattern where the content is presented to learners to be used both in the context of learning before the behavior and during behavior as a reference.

As an example, a project that was intended to support the roll-out of a new software system used this pattern.

Users/learners were told about the software roll-out and pointed to the Hybrid solution through a common communication approach.

When they opened the Hybrid, they were presented with a variety of kinds of information that roughly corresponded to the following categories.

• First time users... - a series of basic task-based tutorials and simulations on key topics.

• Quick reference guide - job aid that could be used online or printed

• Users guide - additional details based primarily based on common tasks, but also referenced according to screens/fields

The bulk of the reference content was created in RoboInfo and then published as HTML. Specific demonstrations and simulations were created in Captivate and embedded within the content area of RoboInfo.

The rationale for this approach was that most learners were only going to spend about 10-15 minutes getting up to speed on the application. We wanted to have them get the basics quickly and also have exposure to the same solution that they could use at the time of use.