The Asynchronous Distance Learning of Microsoft Excel in a Corporate

Environment

By Joseph Bolton

Background Director of Six Sigma and

Learning and Development for Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Waikiki, Oahu. (5 Years)

There are 11 Hawaii properties in the Hawaii region, on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii. I am a resource to all of them.

Starwood places a high priority on associate and leadership development worldwide.

Context The Hospitality Industry operates

365/24/7. People are constantly BUSY!

There is never a time for the operation to fully stop and re-train.

The industry’s highest expense is labor. All employees must be paid for training.

Training must be done in short one or two hour bursts maximum (ILT)

The Problem and Need Instructor Led Training

(ILT) training not effective for computer based skills

Excel is intimidating and difficult

No specific resources available

Employee frustration and confusion growing

Inconsistent throughout the Hawaii Region

How can I utilize the knowledge I have gained in my LTEC Masters Program, to improve my locus of control?

I had to ask myself…

Instructional Design

The purpose of this instructional design project is to deliver basic knowledge while increasing the comfort and confidence of how to use Microsoft

Excel through an asynchronous distance learning website, for managers of Starwood Hotels and

Resorts throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

The Course Website

Software and Tools($free.99)

Microsoft Excel- Course Software

Microsoft Outlook- Course Communication Software (Company Approved)

Weebly- Website Building Platform (password protected)

Google Forms- Data Collection Instrument

Screencast capturing tool

Project Development Methodology

“When learners appreciate the results, they will be motivated to learn.”

-John Keller

Project Development Methodology

ARCS allows for continuous motivation during the learning process, especially during distance education

initiatives.

Project Development Methodology

Gaining Attention and Engagement Simple and

Unintimidating Design

Consistent structure for each tab

Videos for personality and familiarity, learning styles and humor

Initial cohort email sent outlining WIIFM and goals, get people excited!

Site DesignSimple Navigation Menu

Site DesignSimple Navigation Menu

Content Description

Site DesignSimple Navigation Menu

Content Description

Screencast of content

Project Development Methodology

Relevance to the EmployeeThe most commonly used functions in the working environment are:

Sorting and Graphing Tables (creating and filtering) Formulas (SUM,AVG,COUNT) Conditional Formatting

These functions are used daily to create reports, and are commonly misused incorrectly or inefficiently.

Quick PollPlease give a red X, if you are not confident using the Excel functions below

Please give a green ✔ lf you are confident in using the Excel functions below

Sorting and Graphing Tables (creating and filtering) Formulas (SUM,AVG,COUNT) Conditional Formatting

The ModulesThe Design and Learner Experience

Module Title and Due Date

Module Title and Due Date

Downloadable Excel Data

Actual Spreadsheets Used Daily

Design Concepts

Personalized Learning Creates consistency “Go to” Library of videos Not Internet Generic

Project Development Methodology

Built in Pre and Post Course QuestionnaireAnd Acknowledgement

Build Confidence and Providing Feedback

Instruction and definitions of terms

Pre/Post Course Questionnaire

1-5 (Low-High) Likert Scale to

gauge comfort and confidence with

each Excel function

Comfort-the ability to operate Excel without any outside assistance (YouTube, web, friend)

Confidence-the ability to operate Excel consistently without error, (efficiency and re-work)

Acknowledgement

Screencast with video

Screencasts

Screencasts

Video

Screencasts

Video

Mouse/Pointer Highlight

Providing Feedback

Providing Feedback

Assignment file to be submitted after each module

Screenshot of completed assignment is shown

Feedback given within 24 hours

Project Development Methodology

Introduction Email,Introduction Videoboth engaging and activating the WIIFM, and potential results.

Actual internal spreadsheets are downloaded and used, simulating real life scenarios.

All modules have a screencast, showing how to utilize the function topic. Assignments are emailed for feedback after each module.

Each module will chronologically build, allowing the user to utilize and perform with previously gained knowledge and feedback.

Learner Satisfaction

Learner Satisfaction Each Module will

chronologically build knowledge

Confidence will chronologically build

Website available at anytime for future use

Makes Excel less intimidating

Generative Possibilities Feedback from participants was

positive

Requests for further exploration with other Microsoft Programs, and internal company software

Experience with this Instructional Design project will be used to ensure success, now that I have a prototype

Key Learnings from I.D. Development

“Motivational Messages” (Keller) are key, possible initial video with welcome email or BBC session

Reminders via Outlook Calendar

Different versions (2007) and layouts of Excel

Mac Vs. PC

Proper audio (initial email)

MAHALO!www.excelatwork.weebly.com

password:ilovemyjob