Modular enablement
Download as PPTX, PDF0 likes213 views
This document discusses modular training for IBM software. It proposes creating self-contained training modules that can be combined as needed by global training partners. Each module should start with students unable to perform a task and end with them able to do so. Examples of potential modules for Apache HTTP Server are provided, along with suggestions for using virtual machines and lab exercises across modules. The challenges of product enhancements and maintaining narrative structure with modular content are also addressed.
Modular enablement
- 1. © 2013 IBM Corp. Modular Training orip@us.ibm.com
- 2. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp.2 Objectives When you complete this presentation, you can perform the following tasks: Explain the advantages of modular training Given a list of objectives, identify opportunities to make modular enablement Write modular enablement material
- 3. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. The classes we have now Generic “how do to stuff with this product” Assume no starting knowledge • Students doing an implementation project • Students whose companies already use the product Focus on what we think is important • Impossible to teach everything in five days • Companies use different subsets of product features • Installation and configuration typically done by IBM or a business partner anyway 3
- 4. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Modular education We create self-contained modules that can be combined as needed • Prerequisites • Objectives • Materials to get from one to the other Global training partners (GTPs) decide what classes to create out of those modules • Know what their customers need • Can differentiate their offerings Delivery • Same mechanism, lectures and exercises • Advanced materials may be self-enablement 4 GTP A Installation and configuration Basic use Reading the log file GTP B Reading the log file Troubleshooting
- 5. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. What to make into modules? Each module: • Starts with students unable to do X • Ends with them able to do X • X should be something useful, not an intermediate step o Unless it is a step required for two separate modules Here is how it typically works for our products: 5 Basic Function Installation & Configuration Feature 1 Feature 2Feature 3 Feature 4 Advanced Feature 4B Advanced Feature 4A
- 6. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Example: Modules for Apache HTTP Server Some people in the organization need to be able to install and configure new web servers Almost everybody involved with product needs to know how it serves static pages Administrators also need to be able to read the log file Web designers need to know how to write HTML Web developers need to know how to write PHP pages as well as HTML Somebody needs to know how to install the PHP interpreter 6 Serving static web pages Installation & Configuration Reading the log file Writing HTML PHP Interpreter Installation Writing PHP Pages
- 7. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Virtual machines and lab exercises Not all of our delivery platforms support snapshots Share between as many modules as possible Start with the basic functionality available This allows for teaching basic functionality and features directly from it If at all possible, have intermediate features already configured to allow for the advanced features 7 Serving static web pages Installation & Configuration Reading the log file Writing HTML PHP Interpreter Installation Writing PHP Pages
- 8. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Instead of snapshots Changing between modules • Use scripts to create entities needed in modules Installation and configuration • Install the product in a separate directory, using a separate LDAP suffix, etc. • Uninstall and reinstall the product • Use a separate image without the product installed 8
- 9. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Dealing with product enhancements Agile development products change frequently New code requires updating modules • Verify labs • Rewrite labs (???) • Retake screen captures No time to redo all the modules Best we can do: • Create new image for each revision • Write modules for new features • Update modules every few image releases Make it clear to instructors and students which image goes with which module 9
- 10. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Narrative structure – the problem In theory, not an issue • We don’t write fiction In practice, always an issue • Students can pay attention … or not • Emotionally satisfying materials more likely to hold attention Easy in our traditional training: 1. The purpose of the product, the business problem we solve 2. Installing the product 3. Configuring the product 4. Using the product to solve the main business problem 5. Variations on the problem and their solutions • Difficult in short modules • No module gives an entire picture of the product • Easy to fall back into feature-function training 10
- 11. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Narrative structure – the solution Every module answers a question At the start of the module, ask the question explicitly • Possibly with a scenario • A lecture slide Attempt to reinforce the scenario during the module Close with the scenario concluded successfully • An exercise showing the needed functionality 11
- 12. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp. Narrative structure – example In the lecture: • An application the enterprise supposedly needs • What is PHP, and why is it important in the LAMP stack • Apache modules and how to install them • How do verify that PHP works In the image prior to the exercises: • Preconfigured MySQL database (if needed for the application) • The installation files for the application • Of course, the PHP interpreter Apache module In the exercises: • Install the PHP Apache module • Verify the PHP Apache module with a tiny “hello world” program • Install the application • Verify the application works 12 PHP Interpreter Installation
- 13. IBM Software Group | Security Division © 2013 IBM Corp.13 Summary Now that you have completed this presentation, you can perform the following tasks: Explain the advantages of modular training Given a list of objectives, identify opportunities to make modular enablement Write modular enablement material
Editor's Notes
- #2: © Copyright IBM Corp. 2012 Course materials may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of IBM.
- #3: © Copyright IBM Corp. 2012 Course materials may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of IBM.
- #14: © Copyright IBM Corp. 2012 Course materials may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of IBM.