Leveraging Technology for Hybrid Professional Training
Idaho Rural Water Association
Boise, Idaho
Highlights
Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) transformed its training offerings from a travel-heavy, in-person model to a technology-first approach that serves both local and remote participants. Leveraging video conferencing technology to broadcast training programs provides members more opportunities to access the learning required to move their careers forward.
Neurilink Provided IRWA AV Solutions for:
- Conference Room
- Training Room
- Full Office- cell phone amplification, acoustics & sound (click here to learn more)
About Idaho Rural Water Assocaiton
Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501©3 non-profit which provides technical assistance, training and a representative voice for the benefit of Idaho’s drinking and wastewater utility systems. Their membership consists of over 350 direct member systems.
In 2020, IRWA moved from their existing space to a new facility in Boise. Their previous building was about 2,600 sq. ft. including the warehouse, and their audio visual technology consisted of a projector in the conference room.
The Challenge
The IRWA team traveled across the state to provide training programs to their members. The IRWA team would host the same class in two or three different parts of the state in the same week. IRWA’s rural focus paired with Idaho’s vast geography meant significant hours were required for travel.
Furthermore, certification reviews (required for licensing) were hosted one time per quarter in different parts of the state, giving operators a single opportunity to participate locally. If they had a schedule conflict, they would have to travel to another part of the state for the certification review a few months later.
The content IRWA teaches is dynamic and often hands-on. Their collaboration technology consisted of a traditional audio-only conference system, therefore providing classes remotely was not an option.
The Long-Term Solution
Like all of us, COVID brought a new set of circumstances IRWA had to navigate. How could they continue offer training and apprentice programs, since traveling to Boise was no longer an option?
Thinking on their feet, the IRWA team applied for a second grant, this time for technology. IRWA came to us to design a functional, easy-to-use solution that would enable them to pivot to a hybrid training model.
The training room solution is designed for presenters to train both in-room and remote participants in the same session. The system features dual-displays, allowing those in the classroom to see both the content and remote attendees. Professional speakers, microphones and cameras enable the in-room attendees to collaborate with those remote participants.