Back to the Periodic Table

Explore the elements from Brian Washburn’s book
What’s Your Formula? Combine Learning Element for Impactful Training

microsoft word
MS Word for Training

Word

(WUHR-d)​

Solid Elements

SOLID

What is Word for Training?

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processing applications and can be used to enhance or supplement the learning experience.

Other Common Names

Other common names for lesson plan include:

  • Word processing
  • Google Docs

 

Key Properties

While the uses vary wildly based upon need, the following properties will always hold true for Word:

  • It’s a word processing software
  • Can be used individually or collaboratively
word processing

Resources From The Train Like a Champion Blog

Microsoft Word Job Aid Template

Checking the Readability Level of your Training Documents

Insights Originally Drafted in Microsoft Word

  • "While there are other word processing tools in use (Google Docs certainly comes to mind), Microsoft Word is perhaps the most commonly used, having been released by Microsoft in 1983 and installed on any machine with Microsoft Office. It can be used to generate handouts, participant materials, facilitator notes, reports—some people even use it as a basic graphic design tool to lay out resources, job aids, and data."
  • "Just how does a plain old basic application like Word get a place on the periodic table of elements of amazing learning experiences? The answer is partly based on how you plan to use Word to create documents that are intended to supplement or enhance the learning experience. (The other part is in the Closely Related Elements section about elements that can be bonded to your use of Word.)"
  • "Formatting your text isn’t the only way to break up a document. Using photos, diagrams, or other drawings can literally illustrate the points you’re trying to make. Keep in mind that Word was never intended to be a graphic design tool, so placing images in the exact location on the page that you’d like can be tricky."
Whats Your Formula book
Order your copy to learn more about Microsoft Word as a training tool and all of the related elements.

Elements that Bond With Microsoft Word

handoutsHandouts

It may sound obvious, but there are times you may refer to a document without actually bringing it into the training environment to distribute. If there’s a document that learners should refer to or be able to access, you may want to consider making it a handout in your session.

virtual meetingVirtual Meeting

Just because you’re not with your participants in person doesn’t mean you can’t distribute handouts. In fact, when you upload documents that learners can download and print, virtual meetings feel a little less virtual.

visual designVisual Design

Word may not be a graphic design tool, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore how your document is laid out. If your document is easier to read, it becomes more inviting to use.

collaborative file sharingCollaborative File Sharing

Keeping your documents in your computer’s local drive means that you’re the only person who can access them. If your documents are meant for others to learn from, uploading them to your intranet, SharePoint site, or other organizational document repository can give your colleagues or participants access to information in their moment of need.

instructional designInstructional Design

Keep in mind that the design of your Word documents can be a key part of your learning experience—not just by making it easier to read, but also keeping it thematic to your content. You can see some examples of what this means in chapter 3’s section about handouts.

websiteWebsite

While collaborative file sharing is a good spot for internal documents, if you’re working with external audiences, posting your Word documents and handouts to a course website or your homepage can make them readily available to others.

emailEmail

Sending the Word documents and materials to participants following the session is a good way to keep your information front of mind and increase the likelihood they’ll use your information, processes, or job aids.
checklist

Download the Element Sanity Check

Even if you haven’t yet purchased the book (what are you waiting for?!) you can get access to worksheets that will help guide you through the use of the elements of amazing learning experiences.