InformationWeek

June 14, 1999

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Training Developers More Efficiently

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Sidebar: Evaluating Training Vendors And Courseware

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There are many different types of self-study delivery media, including print, video, and CD-ROM. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Companies must carefully consider their needs and budget when deciding on classroom vs. self-study.

Computer-based training is typically done as self-paced learning, but some computer-based training is facilitated in a classroom setting. Many companies provide this material, both on CD-ROM and over the Web, but most provide only the materials--not implementation strategies. Computer-based training offers all the advantages common to other forms of flexible learning, including:

Consistent presentation of material;
The flexibility for the learner to work at his or her own pace;
The opportunity to study at a convenient place and time;
Interactivity, which can improve motivation and retention;
Immediate feedback to questions and practice exercises;
The greater realism that results from including graphics, photographs, sound, and moving images.

The disadvantages include: the need for special equipment, sometimes including noisy sound cards; the lack of easy portability; the higher cost of learning materials, and the fact that courseware may take up too much memory on PCs.

The relative costs of technology-based and paper-based classes depend upon a number of factors. In general, computer-based training costs more, but it can be more interesting for students. To ensure that courseware materials are relevant, managers and project leaders from all areas of the company should be involved, including various application development and support groups, as well as end users.

Facilitated Learning
The facilitated approach combines the benefits of computer-based training with the advantages of having an instructor in the classroom to help students as needed. In the facilitated computer-based training approach, students learn through discovery while also setting the pace of their learning. To facilitate learning, instructors coach students while the students develop new skills. This approach creates an environment in which knowledge is shared through the collaboration of individuals while under the guidance of instructors.

The instructor's role in this approach is to facilitate maximum sharing of information and knowledge among learners rather than control the delivery and pace of the course. The instructor therefore provides direct feedback to students while also creating an environment to generate peer discussion. The instructor also acts as a problem solver when mistakes are made or technology glitches occur.

An advantage of facilitated computer-based training is that a human voice narrating course material is often a comfort to students and can reassure them if they make a mistake. Another advantage is that the equipment needed to run it is often already available. Many companies have PCs with CD-ROM drives that can be used to run programs. Facilitated computer-based training also isn't restricted by location, because the instructor can go wherever there's a need. The training can take place wherever there's a computer--and with portable computers, students can even be on the road while they're learning. A disadvantage is the cost of the instructor added to the cost of the computer-based training.

Distance-Learning Options
The success of distance education depends on a variety of factors. The primary concern is the way in which information is delivered to the student and the way the student uses the new knowledge from the material. The media to transmit the learning materials should be chosen based on the needs of the student--not the latest bells and whistles.

The two primary forms of distance learning are video or teleconferencing, and distance learning via the Web. In designing an effective distance class, you have to consider the goals and the content requirements of the class, as well as the technical constraints.

The quality of distance education depends on technology. Recent improvements in the cost and capabilities of hardware and software combined with the growth of the Internet and improvements in connectivity encourage the development of new classes delivered via the Web.