Let’s look at an example training process with the use of the Blue Mango Learning System.

1. The customer receives multimedia training materials in the Blue Mango Learning System at least 1 week before the Application Specialist is scheduled to arrive. These can be delivered via CD-ROM or the internet. This multimedia training package may have 60 or more lesson modules in it – clearly too much for the customer to consume before the Application Specialist arrives.

The Blue Mango Learning System has a powerful feature entitled “Custom Curriculums”. This feature allows the training developer or the individual Application Specialist to create a subset of lesson modules and deliver that subset to the customer. So instead of 60 lesson modules the customer is presented with 5 lesson modules that each take about 7 minutes.

2. The Application Specialist tells the customer that they will need to complete the 5 lessons before he arrives for the training. These 5 lessons might cover:

• A broad overview of the ultrasound system
• A basic example of performing an exam with the ultrasound system
• Basic 2D functionality
• If applicable – an introductory lesson to 3D/4D concepts

3. The Application Specialist arrives for the first day of training. The first thing they do is answer questions that the customer(s) have. The great thing is that the customer will have questions. They will be familiar with basic functionality of the machine. The Application Specialist doesn’t have to start building knowledge from scratch. They can just fill in any gaps that exist in the customers’ understanding.

4. After answering any questions the Application Specialist begins to introduce new concepts. As he does this he has his laptop there with the Blue Mango Learning System open. He shows the customers the training modules that correspond to what he is teaching them. This has two advantages:

1. Interactive movies, video, example images and animations can be used to visually teach new concepts
2. The customer is being taught how to learn on their own once the Application Specialist leaves

5. At the end of the day the Application Specialist leaves the customers with a Custom Curriculum that contains lessons that review the subjects covered that day. The customers are encouraged to review these lessons over the next couple of days to reinforce what they have been taught.

6. In the days that follow the Application Specialist can send additional Custom Curriculums to the customer via e-mail. He can customize the modules based on customer need. Customers review the material at their own pace.

7. When the customers are ready, a 2nd visit is made by the Application Specialist. At this point the customer should have reviewed most of the lesson modules that apply to them in the Blue Mango Learning System. The Application Specialist is simply present to fill in the gaps once again. He can also:

• Help the customer customize presets and settings on the machine
• Help the customer find more efficient work flows when using the machine

Because the customer has the base knowledge, the Application Specialist is able to instruct on a higher level.

What are the results?

• Customer knowledge has come much further than it could with a “live” training only system
• One complete day of on-site training has been eliminated from the training process, saving the manufacturer money and decreasing downtime for the customer.
• The customer has learned how to learn on their own. As additional training materials are provided the customer can continue to improve their utility of the ultrasound system
• The Application Specialist is able to work more efficiently and provide superior service to more customers.