1 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. CHAPTER EIGHT Technology-Based Training Methods.

1© 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Technology-Based

Training Methods


LEARNING OUTCOMES

Define and discuss technology-based training, traditional training, computer-based training, and e-learning

Compare and contrast instructor-led and self-directed learning

Define and give examples of asynchronous and synchronous training

Define and discuss electronic performance support systems


LEARNING OUTCOMES

Define and discuss video, web conferencing, webinars, webcasts, and virtual classroom

Define and discuss social constructivism and generative learning

Define and discuss social media, Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies

Define mobile learning and discuss its use for training

Describe how to design computer-based training programs

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer-based training for individuals and organizations

Discuss the effectiveness of computer-based training



TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING

Training that involves using technology to deliver courses (learning)

Different types of technology-based training have evolved as technology itself evolves



Different types of technology-based training:

Web-based training Computerized self-study with CD-ROM, DVD Electronic performance support system Electronic simulation Multimedia applications Video/audio/tele-conference Satellite or broadcast television

See Table 8.1 in text



In contrast to traditional training, which is training that does not involve using technology to deliver learning (regardless of the instructor or learners’ use of technology in the classroom)




PREVALENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

Use of technology for training has increased In Canada over the past decade

In Canada, 75% of organizations use it to deliver some type of training

Canada and the U.S. the use of learning technology represents 14% of all formal training time

Thus, training technology is becoming more popular albeit at a relatively slow pace

Virtual classroom/webcasting/video broadcasting is most popular


COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING

Computer-based training: Training that is delivered via the computer for the purpose of teaching job-relevant knowledge and skills

E-learning: The use of computer network technology such as the intranet or Internet to deliver information or instruction to individualsE-learning is a specific type of computer-based training


INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING (ILT)

Training methods that involve an instructor or facilitator who, in the case of technology-based training, leads, facilitates, or trains onlineThe degree of involvement of the instructor in ILT can vary from full control to advisory or resource


SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

Individuals or groups take the initiative and responsibility for learning and manage their own learning experience A major advantage of computer-based training is that it can be initiated and controlled by the trainee


SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

Benefits Increased flexibility Learn at their own pace Learn what is relevant to

their needs Become independent with

less dependence on formal training

Learn according to their own learning style

Limitations May learn wrong things or

learn incompletely Waste time accessing and

finding material It takes time to gain SDL

skills


ASYNCHRONOUS AND SYNCHRONOUS

Computer-based training can be asynchronous or synchronous

Asynchronous: Pre-programmed and available to the trainee at any time and from any location

e.g., online course or multimedia program

Synchronous: Live and requires trainees to be at their computer at a specific time

e.g., “chat” session or live “webinar”


ELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE SUPPORT SYSTEMS

An asynchronous system that provides information, advice, and learning experience on the job to improve performance Information is only accessed when it is neededOnly needed information is given; reduces information overloadEffective for high-turnover jobs or tasks that are difficult, infrequent, and must be perfectMobile technology applications increase use of EPSS


VIDEO AND WEB CONFERENCING

Synchronous training using two-way television, satellite, or web technology Simultaneously training at multiple locations Rapid dissemination of content On-site facilitator can address challenges with

personal attention for trainees


VIDEO AND WEB CONFERENCING

Web technology has created new opportunities for training over the web

Webinars are seminars or workshops taking place over the Web with option for interactive element

Webcasts are live or recorded audio or video broadcasts over the Internet; generally one-way communication

Both webinars and webcasts can be synchronous or asynchronous


SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEB 2.0

Social Constructivism – An approach to learning that emphasizes interactive learning environments where participants and instructor learn from one another

Social Media – The use of technology for sharing and exchanging information

Web 2.0 – Internet tools that enable communication and sharing of information and knowledge

Generative Learning – Self-initiated/learner-controlled collaborative learning in which people in a social network shared ideas and solve problems


SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEB 2.0

Blog – Contains commentary and information on a subject

Wiki – Webpage or collection of webpages which users share

Podcast – Short audio or video recording that can be downloaded and played on mobile device


BENEFITS OF WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGY


MOBILE LEARNING (M-LEARNING)

The use of mobile or portable technologies across locations for obtaining information and training Short videos or information Effective for short, two- to six-minute sessions

addressing a single learning point


DESIGNING CBT PROGRAMS

Technology is just the medium for delivering training and still rely on good design to ensure effectiveness

Active practice and conditions of practice, as well as many of the off-the-job instructional methods, can be built into computer-based training



Other design factors also important:Computer simulations provide trainees with hands-on training for a particular task as well as opportunities to practise and master knowledge and skills in an interactive environmentGames increase the appeal, encourage practice, and facilitate discovery of patterns and relationships in the training materialRole plays make the program engaging and provide opportunity to experiment and practise



Stories that involve dialogue and characters liven up abstract concepts and increase engagement

Customization involves tailoring instructional elements to meet trainee preferences and needs

Personalization through the use of conversational language, rather than formal language, helps trainees feel more engaged in a conversation with the program



Human interaction with instructor and other online participants through chat rooms and discussion boards decreases feelings of isolation and increases motivation

Feedback is important in increasing learning; can range from simple prompts to more complex quizzes, reviews, or interaction with virtual or actual coach/facilitator

Additional principles are identified in Trainer’s Notebook 8.1


COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING – BENEFITS

Advantages for trainee:

Available all the time (just-in-time training)/ convenience/flexibility

Greater learner control over content, sequence Self-pacing allows for progress at own pace Greater comfort with own progress Trainees learn at work or away from work Reduced travel time; greater geographical

flexibility


COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING – BENEFITS

Advantages for organization:

All trainees receive the same training Large numbers can be trained in short period Traditional constraints are eliminated Train across the globe Track trainees performance

• Useful for legal documentation Increase efficiencies and cost savings


COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING

Disadvantages to trainees:

Less interpersonal contact Doesn’t support all learning styles Potential computer illiteracy

Disadvantages to organization: Resistance to tech-based training Cost of development


EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT?

• It is 6% more effective than classroom for declarative knowledge

• Both equally effective for teaching procedural knowledge

• Blended (includes both) 13% more effective for declarative knowledge than just classroom alone; blended 20% more effective for procedural knowledge than classroom alone

• Demographics, computer literacy, etc. play a role in these figures


FUTURE OF COMPUTER- BASED TECHNOLOGY

The use of technology for learning continues to advance; yet demise of traditional methods not likelyKey issues:

–When to use technology?–How to blend it with traditional methods?–When traditional methods are best?–Answer lies in:

• Training objectives • Content of trainings• Design factors• Trainee characteristics


SUMMARY

Described technology-based training methods They serve as a complement to off-the-job and on-

the-job methods Discussed distinctions between instructor-led and

self-directed training, and asynchronous and synchronous training

Emerging technologies create opportunity as well as challenge for learning


SUMMARY

Discussed factors involved in the design of technology-based training

Discussed advantages and disadvantages and the relative effectiveness of the various methods

Discussed Web 2.0 learning tools and mobile learning and their facilitation of social constructivism

1 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. CHAPTER EIGHT Technology-Based Training Methods.

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