ACDelco demonstrated its Virtual Classroom Training from its booth at the annual Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX).
"We’re getting very positive feedback from shop owners and technicians who’ve used VCT," said Greg St. Aubin, ACDelco manager of aftermarket training. “They understand training is a necessity, not a luxury, and they appreciate how we’ve been able to leverage technology to create the rich experience of instructor-led training without disrupting their business.”
With VCT, participants receive group interaction in a format similar to that of a face-to-face, instructor-led training session. The difference is that the convenience and efficiency of the Internet allows trainers, subject matter experts and participants to be anywhere in the world at any time.
ACDelco VCT also allows users to see, hear and speak to instructors, subject matter experts and peers; interact through surveys, true/false statements, multiple choice and polling questions; use breakout rooms and brainstorming activities; use multimedia for demonstrations and simulations; and record sessions for later viewing.
“Instructor-led training will always have a place at ACDelco, but VCT gives more shops and more technicians access to training without leaving the shop, which is always good for our industry,” said St. Aubin. “In fact, we’re overhauling the program in 2012 to expand its coverage and reflect different levels of experience.”
Curriculum changes starting in 2012 will see basic, intermediate and advanced-level classes, with the advanced classes requiring perquisite completion of basic courses. It’s a format similar to dealership training and is designed to elevate technicians’ skill level.
“Participants have asked for more advanced training and we’re delivering it with this updated format,” said St. Aubin. “The changes will make the time technicians devote to training more valuable.”
