Once companies set up employees in their home offices, how can they be certain these telecommuters are proficient on the companies’ software programs, some of which may be customized? The logical answer would appear to be to include telecommuters in scheduled training classes at the companies’ headquarters or wherever the training is offered. However, these employees are telecommuters for a reason, a reason which may not allow for them to travel.

A viable option would be to send an instructor to each person’s home for one-to-one computer training. The personal attention would surely have the telecommuter up to speed in short order. On the flip side, however, individual training can be costly. Further, due to budgetary constraints or scheduling conflicts, the individual training may lag behind that of the company’s group training. Should that happen, the telecommuters may not be able to share files with coworkers, perform required work efficiently and meet deadlines.

The solution is training via the World Wide Web. Today’s Web and telecommunications technologies allow participants located at multiple sites to receive software training simultaneously. It also maximizes the training expenditure.

While an instructor conducts a training session for a group of employees at the company’s main office, the telecommuters participate remotely and in real time from their home offices. Using their computers and telephones, they are able to see and share files with the instructor and view an electronic white board on their computer monitors. Further, they can communicate with the instructor via the telephone and participate in an interactive “text chat.”

Just as flexible employment options help to attract and retain bright, experienced employees, advancements in technology continue to knock down barriers to learning.