The key to success with multimedia training is to take advantage of the flexibility it offers. Training can be conducted in one-on-one sessions, in small groups, or in the classroom depending upon the needs of the agency. The following are some suggestions for conducting training in all three situations, based on experience of various agencies throughout the state.

One-on-one sessions

One-on-one sessions allow the user to maximize the effectiveness of multimedia training. The officer logs on to the system using an individual password and interacts with the material. In the First Aid/CPR course, for example, the material may be tailored to an individual's needs with a pre-quiz. Checkmarks are placed to help the officer navigate through the training and track his or her progress. When the officer leaves without having finished, the computer automatically places a "bookmark," enabling the student to resume at the place where he or she previously stopped. The courses have exercises to allow one to practice what has been taught; such exercises can be repeated as often as necessary. Final quizzes test mastery of the material. When an officer successfully meets the passing criteria, this is shown in Manager's Edge.

Working one-on-one with the computer has proven successful when the multimedia training system can be left in an open training environment and the officer can sign on and train at any time. An alternative is to control access and schedule officers for training at certain times or to give officers a certain amount of time to finish a block of training.

Small group sessions

Small group sessions offer a different dynamic. Using multimedia in this form can be very beneficial to learning. A small group of officers (two to four) use the system together; however, only one response is put into the computer. This stimulates discussion about issues raised in various lessons and a review of the agency's policy. After the training is completed, the individual officers can review material and take the quizzes to judge mastery of the content.

Classroom sessions

Because all the required content is contained in a multimedia course, the presenter can concentrate on expanding the training with an expert's point of view and an explanation of local policy. Classroom discussion can be stimulated when the group must decide on one response or the next step in a procedure. If desired, officers can take quizzes individually on the computer in order to evaluate each student's learning.

For use in a classroom, the multimedia system is usually attached to a LCD projector or a large-screen television.