ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING

Environmental Factors Influencing Technology-Based Training Globalization Economic pressures Work/Life Issues

Globalization Training costs can be prohibitive for highly decentralized organizations Centralized classroom training is not an efficient means of delivering timely training to a global workforce Technology is more responsive to training needs in this environment

Economic Pressures Organizations must rely on workplace learning and continuous improvement to remain successful Companies face tremendous economic pressures to cut costs and increase shareholder value

Economic Pressures Continued Significant upfront costs Helps organizations reduce variable costs associated with the classroom Cost savings in other areas, such as program updating and employees’ time off the job

Work/Life Issues Employees increasingly desire flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting Technology-based training can address the logistical problems of the flexible and telecommuting workforce

Technological Advances Recent advances in computing power and connectivity Greater bandwidth increases the multimedia capabilities of technology-based training

Technological Advances Cont. Today’s high-end technologies can increasingly approximate conventional, instructor-led classroom training Media that support these advanced technologies have become more cost-efficient, reliable, and accessible

Training Technologies CD-ROM, DVD, and Interactive Video systems Web-based training Electronic performance support systems (EPSS) and intelligent tutoring systems Distributed interactive simulation (DIS), game-based training environments, and distributed mission training (DMT)

Benefits of Training Technology Cost Reduction Reduction in Training Time Pedagogical Capabilities Diversity and Accessibility Other Benefits

Cost Reduction Technology-based training can deliver a training program for lower cost than more traditional training methods Reduces or eliminates many of the variable costs associated with the classroom The up-front costs associated with technology-based training are significant

Reduction in Training Time Technology-based training often leads to a reduction in the time that individuals spend in training Less time off the job and greater employee productivity Employees can learn precisely what they need to know

Pedagogical Capabilities Highly personalized learning experience Competency assessments can provide trainees with personalized feedback that is immediate Training technology can give employees an opportunity to practice using their skills and knowledge in realistic situations

Diversity and Accessibility Online learning can level social barriers Increased access to individuals who otherwise may be unable to attend training or classes

Other Benefits Makes it possible to deliver a consistent message companywide to all trainees or employees Technology-based training can help create an environment in which learners have more responsibility for their personal success

Costs and Challenges of Training Technology Learner Choices Social Environment and Collaboration

Learner Choices Trainees exit training prior to achieving mastery of the subject Trainees continue too long and become inefficient Unwillingness to participate in online courses

Social Environment and Collaboration Minimal interactivity and communication capabilities Does not provide employees with opportunities to socialize and network with their colleagues

Factors Affecting Effectiveness Training content Trainee characteristics

Training Content Content may repeat classroom information (not effective) Content may be heavily cognitive ignoring other types of training Content may be a mix of classroom and technology (more flexible)

Trainee Characteristics Cognitive ability Goal orientation of the trainee Prior achievement and knowledge Conscientiousness Openness to new experiences

Guidelines Leverage the Unique Instructional Capabilities of Technology Adopt a Learner-Centered Perspective Create a Supportive Learning Environment

Conclusion Technology-based training offers the potential to revolutionize training effectiveness Companies that realize this potential will be better positioned to leverage their human capital for sustained competitive advantage