With only three months to get the job done, the first month was spent reproducing the basic information in the Microsoft Word documents. Nolan's department then used WBT Systems' TopClass Server to quickly turn the documents into interactive Web-based courseware that was rolled out to the employees over The Money Store's intranet. The system includes tracking and reporting features that let administrators monitor the progress of trainees and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. Dow Chemical also is using TopClass Server as a primary component of the company's program to move most of its training to the Web. Project manager Jon Walker said Dow had forecasted a return on investment in 18 months, but the program's effectiveness and wide adoption has put it way ahead of schedule.
People are clamoring to use it.
Walker said TopClass' strength is that it lets Dow turn nearly any type of content into Web courseware. What we like about it is the simplicity and openness. Walker also liked that the project came in 40 percent under budget-and on time. WBT last week enhanced its products with a publishing tool and packaged them in a suite. TopClass Publisher simplifies the process of turning content into courseware, and will be included in TopClass Publisher Studio along with the TopClass Server.