Specializations, compliance regulations, and technology complexities associated with the contemporary workplace often demand specialized, technical training. But where do learning professionals turn when they are required to train people in complex subject areas? Technical Training Basics is a new book from ASTD and a must-have resource for any trainer, training manager, curriculum developer or designer.

Technical Training Basics is a guide that helps learning professionals navigate the process of creating effective technical training programs in partnership with a subject matter expert.

This book details:

• differences between technical and non-technical training

• characteristics of an effective developer and subject matter expert, and how to work together as an effective team

• how to gather information and arrange content for a highly technical course

• ways to apply specific tools, equipment and processes in your training

• the process of managing a project from designing and developing a pilot course through post-course review.

Technical Training Basics provides a complete, ready-to-use tool kit for technichal trainers to support technical training needs, including outlines, worksheets, exercises, checklists, a sample PowerPoint presentation, and evaluation forms. Readers will have a wealth of ideas, tips, and strategies to assist them in organizing technical content, avoiding the pitfalls of dealing with a topic outside their area of expertise, and becoming a successful trainer in any technical subject.

Part of the Training Basics series, Technical Training Basics is available from the ASTD Store.

About the Author

Sarah Wakefield is a Technical Training Supervisor for Schlumberger Limited in Houston. Sarah also was an instructor of communication, writing, and "life success" courses at Ivy Tech State College and at Purdue University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she earned her master's degree.