9.6: Web Manager University

Provide government employees and contractors with world-class training in website management.

Other Information:

GSA's Web Manager University provides government employees and contractors with world-class training in website management. Web Manager University now offers classes to address open government and public engagement. Since the program started, we have offered nearly 200 classes and attracted over 15,000 attendees from over 100 federal, state, and local agencies. By leveraging its governmentwide scope, the program is able to attract leading experts in web, new media, and open government. Attendees learn important skills and knowledge, including how to: develop a social media and open government strategy, create blogs and other tools to engage with the public, use social networking sites to build communities, develop and share videos to reach a wider audience, and use plain language to foster greater transparency. The program includes in-person training, live webinars, and an annual conference In anticipation of the Open Government Directive, GSA expanded Web Manager University in 2009 to include a series of "New Media Talks," to help government agencies learn about the latest tools and strategies for implementing social media and other engagement activities. Since March 2009, we have hosted 25 free sessions with some of the world's top thought leaders in new media and open government, attracting over 4,000 participants from across government. Many of these sessions have been recorded and are publicly available for download and can easily be shared across government, making it easier for government employees to replicate open government best practices. Web Manager University also provided important training to support the implementation of the governmentwide online dialog tool, launched on February 6, 2010. The program trained moderators from 24 agencies on how to maintain the IdeaScale dialog tool, manage comments, and create a meaningful dialog with the public. GSA will continue to train agencies in citizen engagement. Web Manager University is a prime example of cross-agency transferability. It avoids duplication across government by minimizing multiple agencies offering the same training; creates a high quality experience with world-class faculty since speakers know they will reach a diverse, cross-agency audience; and reduces costs by centralizing the management of the training program and procuring one training contract that benefits many agencies. The program adds value since many agencies do not have the training funds or resources to maintain this kind of high caliber training program on their own. Additionally, we are able to offer classes tailored to a government audience at a low-cost. Most importantly, the program connects government staff with innovators inside and outside of government, and encourages people to share their experiences and learn from each other as they implement the goals of the Open Government Directive.

Stakeholder(s):

• Government Employees


• Government Contractors

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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