

Handouts
(HAN-d-outs)

Radioactive
What are Handouts?
Handouts are print materials distributed to enhance a learning experience.
Other Common Names
Other common names for handouts include:
- Participant Guides
- Training Materials
- Job Aids
- Training Handout
Key Properties
Handouts, participant guides, user manuals, and job aids can serve as reference materials and can keep the learning lights on for participants for days, weeks, and even years after a training course. They can also turn them off if the handouts are not designed with intention and purpose.
There is one key property that characterizes element 15, Handouts:
- hard copy or digital collateral provided to learners.

Thoughts about Training handouts from the best handout of Them all (we're not biased)
- "It’s important to keep in mind that slides and handouts serve two very different purposes. Working with one client, we were able to remove approximately 300 (!!!) slides from a two-day presentation deck by moving much of the information into a printed participant guide. This allowed the slides to be used specifically for visual cues to guide the presentation.
- "As with all parts of your training program, if you want to get your handouts right, you should be thinking about any collateral you plan to distribute as part of the overall instructional design process."

Experiment: Al + Id + Hn
What happens when we mix Al (Adult Learning) + Id (Instructional Design) + Hn (Handouts)? Will we produce a way to grab your participants’ attention from the beginning of your session? Or will it blow up like your favorite sixth grade science experiment?