In the e-learning field with Bill Strelke of Knowledge Anywhere: promoting lab-tech careers will help maintain and energize the profession's work environment and assure that qualified technicians will continue to enter the profession

Medical Laboratory Observer, Jan, 2005 by Amy Chambers

Unique technique:

Knowledge Anywhere understands the medical industry, and provides full service e-learning programs with custom solutions and company-specific content development. That translates into performance aids that help technologists get their work done. By integrating online learning, onboard instrument support systems, classroom technology, and more, content is consistent across all delivery modes, giving technologists on-demand, targeted knowledge resources.

New training development (as with our client Dade Behring):

* Embedded, interactive programs that duplicate daily work situations.

* Integrated Performance Support Systems bring together online resources, technical assistance centers, electronic operator manuals and more to maximize quality and productivity and minimize instrument downtime.

* E-instructor: Skill-specific courses alleviate classroom sessions. Lab techs set their own pace.

* Online issuance of continuing education credits for course attendance.

Medical lab self-paced, Web-based learning challenges:

Longer development time due to regulatory challenges: We ultimately produced higher quality content and improved the content-development process. Online content detail and complexity: Learning instrument operation is a multitiered, detailed, deep process. Developing stimulating displays: We produced courses that held attention and increased operator efficiencies. The laboratory is a great environment for e-learning when it is deployed properly.

Instant Internet integration:

With integration/sharing of content across platforms and content-management systems design, changes can occur one place and be instantly updated in all others (except the paper manual, until re-printing). The procedure can be accessed/reused in online learning, printed to paper, displayed electronically from the Internet and on the instrument control panel, and so on.

How to energize potential med techs:

By promoting in broader ways: Recruiting high school students and two-year degree students for medical-technician programs; working with accredited organizations to create short-term mentoring programs; and stimulating interest in popular media.

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Professional

Joined Knowledge Anywhere (www.knowledgeanywhere.com) in 1999. Veteran of sales and executive positions at public and private companies, including Baxter Healthcare and Ostex International Inc. Expertise includes sales management, domestic and international marketing, business development, and strategic planning. Challenged by opportunities of increased productivity in a competitive business environment.

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Education

Holds a bachelor of science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a master of science from Texas A & M University.

Personal

Former laboratory technician, very proud of his experience. When not working, can usually be found outdoors--fishing or exploring the wilderness with his dog, Rex.

By Amy Chambers, Associate Editor