This requires us to periodically look at what we are doing to reject what is not moving us ahead and to look to one another for new ideas and new directions. The following can be considered both observations and a refinement of hypotheses which bear further testing. These points are based on statements users made during interview, on telephone conversations with people we didn't visit, and upon previous experience as educators in applying cognitive theories to the learning process. These findings and perspectives should be used for evaluating IRM strategies for allocation of resources and to assess the opportunity costs of pursuing various possible objectives. A proficient user is one who has no trouble getting on the CIW and doing what they need to do their work, and who easily build upon what they know about using the CIW to accomplish new tasks or old tasks in new ways, with but occasional assistance from IRM staff.
Proficient users are glad to help others and share their knowledge.
They know several other people who could make use of the CIW to more efficiently perform the tasks they do now. Proficient users don't rely on manuals too much, although they may like to have a reference handy, one with detail. They typically learned the warehouse easily because they had earlier successful experiences with database or spreadsheet software and learned by playing around with the software on their own, even if they had attended a class. Proficient users don't mind spending time to search on the web or look in on-line help, or look things up in a manual they are sure will have the answer to the sort of more advanced questions they need answered. They have the time or make the time for it, and seem to enjoy this sort of search, even if it takes hours.