Making Training Available for the ESGR Network
ESGR is an organization within the Department of Defense that promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

Much of the work is done through a network of volunteers across the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and District of Columbia. This volunteer force is continually changing with new volunteers joining and others moving into different positions and a majority of the volunteers hold full time jobs in addition to their volunteer work with ESGR. Thus, it was important to develop training that both accomplished the training goals and could easily fit into the busy lives of the volunteers.

Understanding ESGR Training Objectives
MetroStar Systems worked closely with ESGR staff and experienced volunteers to review existing materials and provide an assessment of the training curriculum. After examination, the existing materials were found to not follow adult learning best practices and much of the content was outdated.

ESGR decided to have MetroStar Systems build new online training modules that met with adult learning best practices, incorporated original video content, and could be used within a learning management system (LMS), made available on any website, or used for large or small group training sessions.

Developed Engaging Training Material
Production was completed in-house at MetroStar Systems headquarters. Leveraging our skills and knowledge of Adobe Captivate, Flash, SoundBooth, Premier Pro, Web development, adult learning best practices, and other instructional technologies, we were able to develop twelve (12) full Computer-Based Training (CBT) modules. MetroStar Systems collaborated closely with ESGR subject matter experts to ensure accurate content was delivered in a format that an adult learner can complete each training module in less than 30 minutes.

The custom developed CBTs followed Industry Standard Best Practices including Section 508 compliance, SCORM 2004, and Yale Universities’ Web Style Guide 3rd Edition. They provided much of the training that encompass a variety of skills, ranging from the responsibilities of specific roles, to the knowledge of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), dispute resolution, communications and outreach skills, and information about specific organizational programs such as the Awards Program and Employment Initiative Program. . MetroStar Systems utilized advanced technology to ensure that the training was engaging and interactive, while still supporting users who may have outdated computers or slow internet connections.

A series of interviews were conducted with experienced volunteers to produce 140 supplementary HD video clips that were incorporated into the training to provide real-world examples and practical advice. Utilization of MetroStar Systems' production studio allowed us to record the interviews with a green screen backdrop and insert an ESGR backdrop during production. This also provides us the flexibility to easily change the backdrop later if needed. Production of the CBTs included professional voice-over narration and closed-captioning to ensure universal accessibility and Section 508 compliance.

The training modules can be hosted within an LMS, made available on any website, or distributed via compact disc, or utilized as part of a group training session.