Appraisal Training…staying on track despite the budget cut train

John Garner, DirectorOffice of Right of Way

Florida Department of Transportation

Budget Crunch

• Cuts of over $9 Billion from work program.• Operating revenues steadily dropping.• Legislative action

• Travel has to be “mission critical.”• Travel for training specifically prohibited

unless approved by Secretary of Transportation.

• Right of Way Training Program commitments.

The Old Way

In the good old days we…• Contracted out 10 appraisal courses

(Appraisal Institute & IRWA)• Supplemented with in-house courses based

on case-studies• Conducted courses in a central location

(Orlando)…face to face• Used available funds to train our staff to be

on par with consultant appraisers with advanced designations.

The New Approach

The way things are now….• 10 formerly contracted courses are being

brought in-house • Delivered by staff • Via videoconferencing/webinar/CBT

• In-house courses are being modified and delivered via videoconference or webinar.

• Travel is limited to those courses deemed “mission critical”

How are we doing it?

• Reviewed objectives of contracted courses • Wanted to develop or identify alternatives for in-

house presentation.

• Instructor guides, syllabi, PowerPoint presentations, and exams were all available. • Significant discounts were offered for orders of 10

or more texts.

• Leveraging current staff of well seasoned and experienced instructors.

First Steps

• Addressing immediate need for Appraisal Review Course.

Modified existing course for delivery via videoconference. Eliminated group activities Generally shortened presentation Structured for individual responses

Arranged for course exams to be proctored in the District offices.

Initial Hurdles

1. Resistance from course participants.

2. Uncertainty of effectiveness from trainers.

3. Scheduling facilities and equipment at remote locations.

4. Unfamiliarity with equipment.

Other Hurdles

• Equipment problems

• Communication issues

• Distractions

• Less interaction

• Advanced concepts were difficult to convey

The Result

• Participants were more positive than expected.

• Course evaluations were excellent.– Participants were appreciative of training.

• 100% pass rate on the examination.

What is next?

• More Videoconference Courses

• Webinars

• Computer Based Training (CBT)

• A few advanced courses will continue to be face-to-face.– Advanced Appraisal Review Course

VideoConference

• Allows all parties to see and hear each other

• Sophisticated software and hardware

• Each location must be fully equipped

• Currently available– Central Office (4 Locations)– Each District Office (8)

VideoConference

• Effective for certain types of training.

• Instructor must press for involvement.

• Group activities require a local monitor.

• Examinations must be proctored locally

Webinar

• Internet based training– Each trainee must have a computer

• Can be live, recorded or combination

• Limited ability to monitor trainees

• Two-way communication is more limited

• Group activities are very difficult

Computer Based Training

• Can be web or CD based

• Very limited feedback capability

• Requires sophisticated course design

• Best for limited scope technical training

• Questions, Qualms, Quibbles, Comments or Concerns?