Gwyn Brookes ~ Resume (Computer Based Training)

Digital Equipment Corporation (UK) Limited (04/89 - 09/96)
Computer Based Training Writer/Developer/Programmer

Several internal and one public Computer Based Training packages were developed while at Digital Equipment Corporation in the UK: 

The software tools used for development and publishing purposes included VAXProducer (Digital software), TENcore Producer/LAS REGIS, CorelDRAW (and suite), PSP,  and 'C' Programming.

I started CBT development using a Digital software, VAX Producer, which was VMS based and involved a lot of typing code - including  screen-relative coordinates to position blocks of colour, text and graphics. REGIS code was employed in some cases to create complex graphics using coordinates, x and y, + and - to plot each point of a line and gradually build the polygons that formed the final image ... boy - today's tools are so much easier!

Our technology slowly (with some developers kicking and screaming) progressed into using mouse-driven software, and the production of CBT modules became faster and much simpler. The newer tools used were TENcore LAS and TENcore Producer along with some PC-based graphics software (yippee - not more typing coordinates!).  I also dabbled a little with IconAuthor before the CBT work ended and I then found myself moving on to paper-based course development.

With the event of more GUI and WYSIWYG production tools, life has only gotten easier.   

POINT Tellesellers

A comprehensive training package developed for Digital France. The CBT accurately simulated and demonstrated the database/diary tool (POINT) used by telesellers within DECdirect. The CBT covered the workings of the system and guided the trainee through a series of 9 modules and exercises covering all aspects of the tool, allowing hands-on training without accessing the live system.

Remedial loops, questions and answers were included along with an area where the trainer/supervisor accessed results and statistics for each trainee. Feedback stated that the users preferred the CBT to the real system. Developed using TENcore Producer, TENcore LAS and C.

Environment, Health and Safety

An extensive training package covering EC legislation (effective January 1993). Developed and produced both internal VMS networked (VAX Producer/REGIS/C) and external PC (TENcore Producer/TENcore LAS/C) versions for Digital.

The PC-based CBT was sold to external companies and offered as 'personalised' with logo and other information if desired by the customer. Presentation to the public of the product at a 3-day Safety and Health at Work exhibition at Olympia (London). Completion of a product update and maintenance guide, plus user installation guide.

US Export Controls

A 9-module CBT explaining the US Export Licensing rules and legislation. This package included user registration, question and answer sections, remedial loops, extensive use of graphics and animation. Translation of some modules into French, German and Italian (I didn't translate the text but I remember having to type it into the  code!). This CBT was mandatory training throughout Digital world-wide and recipient of the EMMA (European Multi-Media Award) in 1992. Developed using VAX Producer and REGIS code for graphics.

European Customs and Excise

Extensive on-line information system detailing the legalities of European Customs and Excise requirements and explaining the terminology, required documentation and legislation used within Europe. Developed using VAX Producer, VMPaint and REGIS code for graphics.

Vendor Management Training

Joint US/UK project involving extensive research and development of appropriate information for inclusion in the course which consisted of four elements:
  • SPI (Self Paced Instruction booklet) on assessing the need for outsourcing and the types available
  • Two-day workshop on writing specifications for the service to be outsourced, assessing and selecting vendors.
  • CBT on vendor service measurement, including guidance for unsatisfactory delivery of service and interactive exercises to aid service measurement.
  • Workshop on 'Partnering', selecting key vendors and improving the working relationship between customer and vendor.

The paper-based elements were produced using VAX Document and the CBT with VAX Producer, VMPaint and REGIS code for graphics.

Demonstration CBTs

Design and production of 3 demonstration and promotional CBT diskettes for various Digital departments used at European Expo exhibition in France. These demonstration CBTs made extensive use of graphics, animation and user interactivity - all designed to grab the attention of the user. Developed using TENcore Producer.

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