Managing instructors effectively is crucial for delivering high-quality training and ensuring compliance in any organization. For those using the Cornerstone Learning Management System (LMS), leveraging its powerful features can make this task more efficient and straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore best practices for instructor management, offering actionable tips and insights to optimize your use of Cornerstone LMS.
Understanding Instructor Types and Roles
In Cornerstone LMS, instructors can be categorized into internal and external types. Internal instructors are users within the system, automatically assigned the instructor role upon being added to a vendor. External instructors, on the other hand, are individuals without an account in the system but can still be selected for sessions. It’s essential to distinguish between these types, as it affects access to the LMS and the management of training records.
Tip: Ensure internal instructors are correctly tagged to avoid confusion in reporting and role assignments. For external instructors, maintain a clear list and ensure proper documentation to support training activities.
Setting Up Vendors and Instructors
When creating events and sessions in Cornerstone, you must associate them with a vendor. However, once a vendor is linked to a session, it cannot be changed. To avoid issues, clean and organize your vendor data before setting up sessions. This step is critical for maintaining accurate records and smooth data management.
Tip: Use the Edge Instructor Import feature to bulk upload a list of instructors to a vendor, streamlining the process and ensuring consistency.
Managing Instructor Qualifications
A robust instructor qualification program is vital for maintaining high training standards. In Cornerstone, organizations can set up curriculums and certifications to manage initial qualifications and ongoing recertifications.
Tip: Implement a three-year recertification cycle to ensure instructors remain up to date with the latest training methodologies and content. Use certifications in Cornerstone to automate this process, setting clear due dates and timelines for recertification.
Equivalencies and Historical Data
One of the challenges in instructor management is integrating historical training data. Equivalencies can help bridge the gap between old and new courses, ensuring that instructors receive credit for past training. However, bi-directional equivalencies can create confusion, as they might award unintended credits.
Tip: Stick to one-way equivalencies unless there’s a strong business need for a bi-directional setup. Always verify equivalency assignments to avoid discrepancies in training records.
Reporting and Data Management
Effective instructor management relies heavily on accurate reporting. Cornerstone’s robust reporting features allow administrators to track instructor activities, certifications, and program progress. It’s important to consolidate reports and create a naming convention to streamline data management.
Tip: Create a centralized reports admin account to manage all critical reports, ensuring consistency and ease of access for administrators. Use calculated fields to track metrics like training hours and instructor performance.
Handling Special Cases: External Systems and Custom Fields
Sometimes, managing instructor data involves integrating external systems or using custom fields. For example, contractors might be part of an organization but work under different divisions. Custom fields like ‘Instructor Status’ and ‘Training Hours’ can help track these nuances effectively.
Tip: Define custom fields clearly and consistently across the organization. This practice not only helps in reporting but also ensures that all stakeholders understand the data.
Conclusion
Instructor management in Cornerstone LMS can be a complex task, but with the right strategies and tools, it can be streamlined effectively. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your organization’s instructors are well-qualified, compliant, and ready to deliver top-notch training. The key is to maintain accurate data, implement robust qualification programs, and leverage the full capabilities of Cornerstone’s features.
Final Thought: Keeping instructors sharp and ready to deliver is essential for any training program’s success. Let’s ensure we’re all equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
