In the classic ADDIE model of training development, the details of the Implementation process is often left to the last. But even though this step involves more logistical elements than instructional ones, it is critical nonetheless. After all the hard work and effort exerted so far, you don't want your program to fail because of a delivery flaw.

Roll-out of Web-Based Training

If the program is Web-based, it is likely that the software already exists on a private and secure server computer, either on the Internet or on a corporate Intranet. Changes are typically uploaded to the server, and reviewers are provided with log-on passwords to gain access. Assuming this is the case, releasing the Web-based training program is a simple matter of transferring the program from the test server to the final location of the program. Often, two copies of the program will be maintained. One version is the live version accessible to the students. The other version is the development site for new changes, which is kept on a mirrored or shadow server.

Roll-Out of Multimedia CD-ROM Training

Releasing a CD-ROM-based program is a bit more difficult than a Web-based one in that it requires the duplication and distribution of CD-ROMs. The developer copies the final program to a master CD-ROM, in a process known as burning the Gold Master. The master CD is usually sent to an outside duplication company that is equipped to produce a large volume of CDs, along with their labels and jewel or plastic cases.

Even though the training program is technology-based, it is a good idea to have an accompanying quick reference card or printed set of instructions. Depending on the computer literacy of the student audience, some may have problems installing the software onto their computer or launching the program directly from the CD-ROM. It is a good idea to have the instructions on both a quick reference card or jewel case cover, and on the CD label. While the instructions on the CD label cannot be read once the CD is inserted into the computer, those instructions will be there long after the printed instructions have been lost.

Internal Marketing

The internal marketing of your training program to the student audience is a step that usually is overlooked. In some cases, the training is mandatory and internal marketing is not an issue. In other cases, the training is optional support for those who need it. Don't assume that students will use a program just because you made it.

If CDs are shipped on an as-needed basis from the training department, or if Web-based tutorials are sitting on a training home page, students need to be notified and reminded that these resources exist. A communication plan announcing the release of a new title, curriculum, or virtual corporate university might include all of these elements:

• Broadcast voice mail.

• Broadcast e-mail.

• Internal mail of announcement postcards.

• Posters or banners displayed prominently in lobbies, cafeterias, and elevators.

• Article in corporate newsletter.

• Demonstrations and announcements at company meetings.

• Prizes for first students to complete the course.

• Prizes for high scores on self-assessment games.

End-User Technical Support

As part of implementation, a plan needs to be made to support the end users, the students. This is not necessarily support for content questions, but rather technical support to handle questions about installing or accessing the program, performance problems, or hardware issues. If it is a small deployment, a training manager or the vendor that created the program will often handle these types of calls directly. For larger audiences, the normal help desk or information technology department should handle technical support telephone calls.