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

2 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

3 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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 4 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

5 TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING Training that involves using technology to deliver courses (learning)  Different types of technology-based training have evolved as technology itself evolves

6 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING 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

7 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING  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)

TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING 8 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.

9 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

10 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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 individuals  E-learning is a specific type of computer-based training

11 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING (ILT) Training methods that involve an instructor or facilitator who, in the case of technology-based training, leads, facilitates, or trains online  The degree of involvement of the instructor in ILT can vary from full control to advisory or resource

12 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

13 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

14 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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”

15 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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 needed  Only needed information is given; reduces information overload  Effective for high-turnover jobs or tasks that are difficult, infrequent, and must be perfect  Mobile technology applications increase use of EPSS

16 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

17 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

18 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

19 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

20 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. BENEFITS OF WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGY

21 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

22 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

23 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. DESIGNING CBT PROGRAMS 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 environment  Games increase the appeal, encourage practice, and facilitate discovery of patterns and relationships in the training material  Role plays make the program engaging and provide opportunity to experiment and practise

24 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. DESIGNING CBT PROGRAMS  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

25 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. DESIGNING CBT PROGRAMS  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

26 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

27 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

28 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

29 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

30 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. FUTURE OF COMPUTER- BASED TECHNOLOGY The use of technology for learning continues to advance; yet demise of traditional methods not likely Key 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

31 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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

32 © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd. 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