Proper education leads user adoption and will greatly enhance the user experience. Nobody wants to spend valuable time trying to figure out how to use a solution which is supposed to make everything easier. Education is important, and timing is everything. Audience specific education at the appropriate time will contribute to successful user adoption.
Training will be divided into at least two groups: the implementation team and the end users. The implementation team is responsible for the initial implementation of your SharePoint solution and may also be your ongoing SharePoint support team. The implementation team should receive broad and general SharePoint training prior to solution implementation.
On the other hand, your end users should receive solution-specific training, at most one day prior to launch. You may even provide training on the day of launch. This timing will help ensure that everything they learned is still fresh in their heads when they start using the solution.
Audience-specific training
One class offered across the board won’t cut it. Make sure each audience receives the appropriate level and amount of training. End user training on SharePoint can typically be broken down into two main categories based on your solution type: Content Authors and Power Users.
Content Author training is for users publishing content to your SharePoint Site. Content Author training covers the basics of authoring, reviewing, approving, and publishing content to the Site.
Power User training targets a select group and covers more advanced components such as creating Workflows, Lists, Libraries, Sites, Site Templates, and possibly SharePoint Designer.
Depending upon the size of your org and your commitment to SharePoint, you may also designate at least one staff person as your SharePoint Administrator. Ensure this person (or team) receives proper SharePoint Administration training in addition to all other training offered.
Do not cut corners when it comes to training. Splurge for the proper training and ensure the training includes solution-specific methodologies. Real-world examples should be used in training, and the examples should be applicable to the specific group being trained.
If possible, require training. Continuing education is something employees and members typically appreciate, and you should not experience much resistance. Ensure your training timeframe is flexible enough to accommodate everyone’s schedule. Classes should be offered on two different days, allowing users to select one which best fits their heavy workload.
Throughout the year, offer periodic refresher courses. Encourage participation of those who have already attended. Require participation of those who have not yet attended. Appropriate SharePoint training will contribute to successful user adoption. Training will also help your organization run more effectively.
It’s worth noting that our Association Management Ecosystem (AME) customers are required to become properly certified via our AME Certification process.