In microscopy facilities offering a range of imaging modalities, from basic to advanced systems, effective training is crucial for maximizing safe instrument usage and ensuring high-quality data acquisition, which ultimately leads to superior research outcomes. We have analysed more than 1,800 training sessions conducted over the past 10 years by using training records from our Facility Management Software (Stratocore, PPMS). This analysis seeks to identify trends and gaps in user engagement, enabling us to better plan and prioritize facility resources.
Training in our facility is structured to be straightforward. All users start with basic widefield training, which includes safety inductions, an overview of IT practices, equipment operation, and image acquisition. After completing approximately 10 hours of independent experience, users can request training on motorized advanced systems, such as timelapse widefield and confocal imaging. From there, they can pursue further training through similar process in super-resolution techniques and other specialized methods like two-photon and TIRF. Our training sessions, organized by facility staff, are designed to ensure that users can independently operate the equipment after completing a two-hour practical one-on-one training session. As such, evaluating the effectiveness of this training is critically important, given that it consumes a significant portion of our facility's labor costs.
We have recently updated our training program to incorporate an online module featuring training videos available on the university's learning management system (Blackboard) and our facility’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@IMBMicroscopy). After viewing the videos, users are required to complete a quiz for the module. This quiz not only helps us assess the effectiveness of the online training but also identifies areas that may need additional focus.
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