Classroom sessions tend to be aimed just below the middle level of the class. Those who learn less rapidly get left behind. Those who learn more rapidly become bored and the quality of their learning diminishes accordingly. In addition, when the learner returns to the job site and begins working with the software they may or may not remember what they were told in class. There are two tools that are more economically advantageous.
Video tape is a very well- developed tool.
There are many tapes available covering a number of the major office automation products. I know one bank that has a laptop computer that employees check out and take home to learn how to use word processing and spreadsheet programs in front of their TV set at home. It also allows the individual to rewind as needed in order to be sure that they have understood the material that's being presented. They cannot ask questions but they can go back over the material easily until they have learned the correct answer. This is a very efficient system and it does not consume as much of the employee's work time.