Seed Today

Date Posted: January 3, 2012

Winnipeg, Manitoba (January 3, 2012) -- Learning new software often means facing the dreaded “steep learning curve.” With time at a premium and the tyranny of the urgent, fewer and fewer people read computer software manuals or even consult a Help system. The “ideal” would be to have an instructor at your side to actually show you how to use a software package.

No wonder that e-learning is on the rise. After over 20 years training plant breeders and technicians how to use AGROBASE and seeing the trend in e-learning, Dr Dieter Mulitze, CEO of Agronomix Software, has developed a series of on-line video tutorials for users of AGROBASE Generation II®. Registered users simply create their own login account on the Agronomix Software web site and are then given access to the now almost 70 tutorials (many more are planned!) which cover much of the software.

This development gives added value to users of AGROBASE globally for these reasons:

The fastest way to learn how to use software. See it demonstrated on-screen at your convenience and at your learning speed. Tutorials are from five to 25 minutes, and you can watch them at your own pace. A contents button on each tutorial lets you replay sections until they are completely understood.

Realize the full potential of the software. Rather than using only say 10% of its capability, new and advanced tutorials reveal faster and more efficient ways of utilizing the software. Replace “old habits” with optimal use.

Quicker uptake of new versions. Agronomix Software releases a new version at least once a year, and new tutorials on the releases help users to quickly realize the benefits of new versions.

Immediate training for new staff. Staff turnover occurs even in the best-run seed companies and public institutions. New staff typically have a lot to learn, and depending upon their job, it might include learning AGROBASE. The fastest, most convenient way to train new staff would be to direct them to the on-line tutorials. Employers often cannot wait until the next training course.

Better value from training courses. Agronomix Software still offers private, customized training courses as well as regional training courses for clients. In 2011, such courses were held in the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, China, India, Kenya and Mali. When trainees go through at least the basic tutorials, they have more focused questions during the course and experience less information overload. After the course, the tutorials helps to reinforce and expand what was learned.

Lower training costs. Rather than sending staff to training courses, incurring course fees plus travel and lodging costs, the on-line tutorials provide an alternative. This lowers the overall expense when implementing a software solution.

Sum it all up as maximum return on investment. A scientific software system like AGROBASE Generation II can be a key investment for a seed company or public institution. On-line training videos help to ensure that the full value of the software investment is realized.

Want to see for yourself? Anyone can set up their own account and view the first few tutorials. Just go to www.agronomix.com, click on the Learning Centre button and set up your own account.

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