The Asynchronous Distance
Learning of Microsoft Excel in a
Corporate Environment
By Joseph Bolton

 Director of Six Sigma and
Learning and Development for
Starwood Hotels and Resorts in
Waikiki, Oahu. (5 Years)
 There are 11 Hawaii properties in the Hawaii region, on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii. I am a resource to all of them.
 Starwood places a high priority on associate and leadership development worldwide.

 The Hospitality Industry operates
365/24/7. People are constantly
BUSY!
 There is never a time for the operation to fully stop and re-train.
 The industry’s highest expense is labor. All employees must be paid for training.
 Training must be done in short one or two hour bursts maximum (ILT)

 Instructor Led Training
(ILT) training not effective for computer based skills
 Excel is intimidating and difficult
 No specific resources available
 Employee frustration and confusion growing
 Inconsistent throughout the
Hawaii Region

How can I utilize the knowledge I have gained in my LTEC Masters
Program, to improve my locus of control?

The purpose of this instructional design project is to deliver basic knowledge while increasing the comfort and confidence of how to use Microsoft
Excel through an asynchronous distance learning website, for managers of Starwood Hotels and
Resorts throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

The Course Website

Software and Tools
($free.99)
Microsoft Excel- Course Software
Microsoft Outlook- Course Communication Software (Company Approved)
Weebly- Website Building Platform (password protected)
Google Forms- Data Collection Instrument
Screencast capturing tool

Project Development Methodology
“When learners appreciate the results, they will be motivated to learn.”
-John Keller

Project Development Methodology
ARCS allows for continuous motivation during the learning process, especially during distance education initiatives.

Project Development Methodology

Gaining
A ttention and Engagement
 Simple and
Unintimidating Design
 Consistent structure for each tab
 Videos for personality and familiarity, learning styles and humor
 Initial cohort email sent outlining WIIFM and goals, get people excited!

Simple Navigation Menu

Simple Navigation Menu
Content Description

Simple Navigation Menu
Content Description
Screencast of content

Project Development Methodology

R
The most commonly used functions in the working environment are:
 Sorting and Graphing
 Tables (creating and filtering)
 Formulas (SUM,AVG,COUNT)
 Conditional Formatting
These functions are used daily to create reports, and are commonly misused incorrectly or inefficiently.

Please give a red X , if you are not confident using the
Excel functions below
Please give a green
✔ lf you are confident in using the
Excel functions below
 Sorting and Graphing
 Tables (creating and filtering)
 Formulas (SUM,AVG,COUNT)
 Conditional Formatting

The Modules
The Design and Learner
Experience

Module Title and
Due Date

Module Title and
Due Date
Downloadable Excel
Data

Actual Spreadsheets Used Daily

 Personalized Learning
 Creates consistency
 “Go to” Library of videos
 Not Internet Generic

Project Development Methodology

Build
C onfidence and Providing Feedback
Built in Pre and Post
Course Questionnaire
And Acknowledgement

Pre/Post Course Questionnaire
Instruction and definitions of terms
1-5 (Low-High)
Likert Scale to gauge comfort and confidence with each Excel function

Comfortthe ability to operate Excel without any outside assistance (YouTube, web, friend)
Confidence
the ability to operate Excel consistently without error, (efficiency and re-work)

Screencast with video

Video

Mouse/Pointer Highlight
Video

Providing Feedback

 Assignment file to be submitted after each module
 Screenshot of completed assignment is shown
 Feedback given within
24 hours
Providing Feedback

Project Development Methodology
Introduction Email,
Introduction Video both engaging and activating the
WIIFM, and potential results.
Actual internal spreadsheets are downloaded and used, simulating real life scenarios.
All modules have a screencast, showing how to utilize the function topic. Assignments are emailed for feedback after each module.
Each module will chronologically build, allowing the user to utilize and perform with previously gained knowledge and feedback.

S

S
 Each Module will chronologically build knowledge
 Confidence will chronologically build
 Website available at anytime for future use
 Makes Excel less intimidating

 Feedback from participants was positive
 Requests for further exploration with other Microsoft Programs, and internal company software
 Experience with this Instructional
Design project will be used to ensure success, now that I have a prototype

Key Learnings from I.D. Development
 “Motivational Messages” (Keller) are key, possible initial video with welcome email or BBC session
 Reminders via Outlook Calendar
 Different versions (2007) and layouts of Excel
 Mac Vs. PC
 Proper audio (initial email)

www.excelatwork.weebly.com
password:ilovemyjob