Overall Objective
Sabre's Internet-based training provides trainees with a solid understanding of what the Internet is (and is not) and focuses on practical application of skills that meet the needs and realities of trainees. Training will focus on graphical and/or text-based Internet tools.
Skills to be Imparted to the Trainee
Trainees will gain a full understanding of the Internet, Internet-based resources and Internet tools for a given profession or area of study. Trainees will also be made aware of other information technologies relevant to their fields. (Training curricula are more fully outlined in the "Training Plan" that follows.)
Training Plan
Sessions for all levels include extensive hands-on learning. All sessions can be tailored to focus on the needs of a particular profession or subject area. Trainees are given ample time for hands-on exploration of these tools. In addition, all training sessions cover the following topics: research strategies, evaluation of information resources on the Internet, copyright issues and citation of Internet resources.
Through its extensive network of regional contacts, Sabre is also able to arrange site visits to local organizations, libraries, businesses, and other institutions in the region. These visits provide a range of perspectives and also introduce trainees to prospective collaborators.
Sabre has outlined four general categories for Internet training. The topics in each level (or category) are summarized below. The flexible and customized nature of the workshops allows Sabre's trainers to address topics from several categories in order to meet the trainees' needs. Special Topics can be requested at any level. In addition, Sabre encourages trainees to inquire into other topics in which the trainee has a particular interest.
Training Chronology: a summation
The Training Chronology outlines a timetable that Sabre has designed in order to best impart the information described in the Training Plan above. As trainee evaluations are conducted throughout the sessions, Sabre trainers will modify the Chronology to meet the needs of the individual or group. Site and professional visits take place throughout the training period. The number of days allotted to each phase and topic may vary according to the time spent in site visits and the trainees' requests.
Phase 1: Evaluation. (One half day to one day).
Evaluation of trainee skills and customary working environment.Phase 2: Beginning Internet Sessions. (Two to five days).
Provides an overview of the Internet and its uses.Phase 3: Intermediate Internet Sessions. (Two to three days).
Increases participants' knowledge regarding Internet use.Phase 4: Advanced Internet Sessions. (Two to five days).
Builds on participants' knowledge of the Internet and focuses learning on advanced information searching and evaluation methods.Phase 5: Advanced Internet II Sessions. (Two to five days).
Builds on Phase 4 and teaches participants methods used in placing information on the Internet, with a focus on file formats.Phase 6: Special Topics. (One to five days, depending on area of interest).
Covers any Internet and/or information technology-related topics not previously covered. (Some topics may take more than one day to adequately cover. One example is training in electronic publishing, which may take two to three days.)
Trainee Supervision and Evaluation
Trainees are continuously supervised by Sabre representatives. Sabre evaluates training effectiveness both during a session and immediately after completion of a session through participant surveys and through ongoing e-mail contact. Sabre provides a variety of follow-on services for all training participants, including donations of appropriate technical books. In countries where Sabre has an on-going book donation program, these donations can be sizable. Sabre training staff are available for on-going consultation via electronic mail after training sessions have been concluded.