At Belmont Technical College, online learning and technology training began as a staff development tool but has evolved into so much more. When Belmont Technical College decided to change information systems, officials there realized that a successful implementation would involve substantial and continuing education of staff and employees in Microsoft software.

“We were, at that time, recognizing that we were going to need a training and reference resource for our faculty and staff in relation to Microsoft Windows usage,” said Cathy Bennett, Associate Dean of Learning, Information Services and Technology at Belmont Technical College.

After researching all of the options, Belmont found that just-in-time online learning and technology training was the right choice; for them, that resource was Atomic Learning. “The very nature of Atomic Learning, with small, short videos, meant that staff could immediately reference a specific need that they had when they ran across it,” Bennett described.

When League Corporate Partner Atomic Learning first came to Belmont, the objective was to familiarize faculty and staff with Windows and Microsoft Office, but they soon discovered that Atomic Learning could do much more than that. Instead of simply using online learning with staff to acclimate them to a new information system, Belmont’s commitment to education led them down a new path. “In addition to our faculty and staff, we make a point of pointing it out to our students during orientation so they’re aware that the tool exists,” Bennett explained. “Some of our computer faculty members are also using it with their beginning students.”

Amy Leoni, Learning and Information Services Librarian, has seen the positive effects Atomic Learning can have on students. “We, in the library, can refer students to the Atomic Learning tutorials so they can get that little snippet of what they’re stuck on or what they need help with.” Leoni described. “They can even start with the basics and build up to something more advanced.”

Belmont’s efforts have paid off, and staff, faculty, and students have discovered the benefits of online technology training. “We found Atomic Learning to be very effective,” Don Winland, Computer Information and Technology Specialist and Project Manager said. “There is more participation than I actually believed there was going to be. I am proud to say we’re working with Atomic Learning—it shows our commitment to educating our staff and students”.

Online learning and technology training has not only had positive effects on Belmont Technical College, it also has implications on campuses nationwide. Join us Thursday, August 9, for a fast-moving, panel discussion on the benefits of online technology and software training in a free webinar sponsored by Atomic Learning. Philadelphia University’s Jeffrey Cepull and Rappahannock Community College’s Ruth Greene reveal how they use Atomic Learning’s web-based tutorials to train faculty and support professional development programs, supplement course material and integrate technology into courses, and provide users with around-the-clock technology support, a benefit for your helpdesk and distance learners. Visit www.atomiclearning.com/highed to register.