White Papers

Business Hide All Abstracts / Show All Abstracts

Enhancing Training Application -- Presented to the Training and Development Division at the National Communication Association Convention, 2008 [PDF]

Once a workshop or seminar is finished, it is truly (and unfortunately) finished. The trainer and participant part ways--sometimes never to meet again. Thus, the application burden falls directly on the shoulders of the participant--and the organization. However, frequently the trainer is held accountable by the participant and the organization when application does not occur. The Concept Keys Communication, Training, and Learning System now offers a tool that will allow training professionals to assist the participants to better apply the training content and to assist the organization in its efforts to motivate and support their workforce development efforts. There are three options now available partly because of technological developments that will positively impact actual participant application: Blended Training, Supervisory Mentoring, and Internal Support Programs.

Make Your Training Participants into Content Expert Authors -- Presented to the Training and Development Division at the National Communication Association Convention, 2007 [PDF]

Technology has opened the door for the expansion of innovative training strategies. The strategy discussed in this paper was originated in the educational environment and has been demonstrated to be an effective tool in the classroom environment (Bodie, Fitch-Hauser, and Powers, 2007). With appropriate adjustments, it is a small step from the application-oriented classroom to the application-demanding workshop or seminar.

Extending the Impact of Your Communication-Training Program upon Participants -- Presented to the Training and Development Division at the National Communication Association Convention, 2006 [PDF]

This paper is designed to expose participants to the rationale for extending their training impact without the trainer investing greater time into the training program. The particulars of the new KeyEd software that allow trainers to become authors of their own training program extension is reviewed. An overview of the method of generating Keys to Success in their expertise areas and high quality micro-lessons reflecting the critical and motivational aspects of each Key is described.

The TLC Manual: A Training Activity Resource for All Training Professionals -- Presented to the Training and Development Division special panel on "Innovative Techniques for Training Professionals" at the National Communication Association Convention, 2005 [PDF]

This paper presents an overview of the content and rationale for The TLC Manual (The Teamwork, Loyalty, and Commitment Development System: A Guidebook for the Concept Keys Program Coordinator and Team). The function of this manual is to provide a 'best practices' overview for organizational leaders, trainers, and facilitators (and external consultants/trainers) representing a series of options by which organizations can design organization-specific continuing internal support programs for workforce development efforts.

Inclusiveness and Online Training: A Case Study -- Presented at the Southern States Communication Association, 2005 [PDF]

This essay describes an extracurricular project focused on a unique effort to use online training to enhance college students understanding of inclusiveness. Enhanced participant knowledge about inclusiveness was clearly demonstrated even though the level of knowledge and understanding of inclusiveness that was achieved by the participants did not meet general expectations due to 1) a lack of consistent demonstration by program leaders of the importance of inclusiveness and 2) a lack of strategically planned support for participant retention and application of the inclusiveness program content. Future applications are urged to integrate the two missing factors in order to enhance participant development and application outcomes.

Improving Training Outcomes: An Innovative Approach -- Presented to the Training and Development Division at the National Communication Association Convention, 2004 [PDF]

This paper examines a system, Concept Keys, which creates a learning engagement environment that enables participants to integrate information into their memory and into their applied-skill base. As trainers and educators, developing such methods is paramount to the success of our training and teaching.

Education Hide All Abstracts / Show All Abstracts

Utilizing Educational Theories and Technological Advancements to Teach 'Soft Skills' to Today's Students -- Presented to the Instructional Communication Division at the National Communication Association Convention, 2005 [PDF]

This paper examines an innovative method of teaching basic skills necessary to effectively produce and receive messages while reducing the potential for misunderstandings. As educators, developing such methods is paramount to student success. Likewise, success beyond college depends heavily on basic speaking and listening skills. Whether a student continues within academia or enters the workforce, s/he must possess the skills necessary to communicate in a competent fashion. This paper will first examine the theoretical distinction between skills and competence as well as research in the areas of memory and cognition. I then propose a method grounded on these precepts that also utilize e-learning technology to bring micro-lessons into the learners environment. Concept Keys leverages the established educational concepts of chunking, priming, and active learning into a learning support system that enables students to integrate information into their memory and into their skill base. Example exercises are also presented as well as a call for further research.

Inclusiveness and Online Training: A Case Study -- Presented at the Southern States Communication Association, 2005 [PDF]

This essay describes an extracurricular project focused on a unique effort to use online training to enhance college students understanding of inclusiveness. Enhanced participant knowledge about inclusiveness was clearly demonstrated even though the level of knowledge and understanding of inclusiveness that was achieved by the participants did not meet general expectations due to 1) a lack of consistent demonstration by program leaders of the importance of inclusiveness and 2) a lack of strategically planned support for participant retention and application of the inclusiveness program content. Future applications are urged to integrate the two missing factors in order to enhance participant development and application outcomes.

Proposals Hide All Abstracts / Show All Abstracts

Citizen Preparedness Plan and Proposal [PDF]

This paper responds to a major problem: Local, regional, state, and national leadership are not adequately preparing citizens to effectively minimize and/or manage emergency situations as demonstrated by the recent disasters in New Orleans and Houston. The solution detailed in this paper consists of a localized citizen awareness campaign plus a repackaging of complex guidance into simple daily directions contain in the Concept Keys System Private Label Program.

Homeland Security Proposal [PDF]

An innovative opportunity was proposed to convert a current workbook concept into a multi-layered practical online educational product. SBDC personnel can utilize the materials separately or conjointly to educate, motivate, and produce homeland security improvement outcomes by small corporate clients regardless of location. The educational expansion will allow local SBDC facilitators and counselors to conduct online educational programs and allow educational institutions to sponsor courses that embed this online program as an instructional activity. Online learning will allow SBDC to maximize impact upon small corporate owners.

The Ideal American Employee: A Development Program for High School Students [PDF]

This paper proposes that professional development Concept Keys programs be uniquely combined with local workforce leaders to be utilized in High Schools to appropriately prepare students for entry into the workforces of the U.S.A.

Contact Our Sales Team!