1. G063 – Software-based Training

2. Learning Objectives: discuss the use of software-based training
methods of training:
online training
Computer Based Training (CBT)
video-conferencing
advantages & disadvantages of software-based training

3. The Need for Training any change will result in some training need:
so that staff are familiar with new methods and procedures
key employees can be trained
used in turn to train others in a pyramid approach
may follow the hierarchical structure of the organisation
each person training those immediately below them in the pyramid

4. Providing Training
Traditionally training can be provided in a variety of ways:
manuals or step-through guides
traditional format
formal courses
possibly using slide-show software
books

5. Use of Computers in training
online training
Computer Based Training (CBT)
video-conferencing

6. Online training usually web-based, pre-recorded material
to show users how to complete a task.
can include a combination of multimedia elements
sound can be used to read out instructions
images can be incorporated
video used to show users how to complete tasks

7. Online training: Advantages
tutorials are available anywhere & at any time
trainees can work at their own pace
multimedia elements can be used
videos can help to motivate some learners

8. Online training: Disadvantages
no access to a tutor
to ask questions if trainee get stuck
need a computer & (high bandwidth) Internet access
may not be available or develop technical problems
multimedia training materials take time to produce
tutorials may not be up-to-date
may find delivery style monotonous
may not complete training

9. Computer Based Training
using the computer to assist with training - ‘now do this’
trainee then performs task
individualised logon
individual progress can be recorded
system will remember where the trainee had got to last time
software monitors progress of the trainee
quizzes/tasks built in that enable the user to interact
‘improve by doing’
feedback given to the trainee
trainee told whether they have answered questions correctly
trainee can see where their strengths and weaknesses are

10. Computer Based Training
feedback to the tutor
tutor can monitor the progress that each trainee is making.
tutor can also identify areas which trainees are finding difficult
target setting
system can create a learning plan for the trainee to follow

11. CBT: advantages can return to the place where they left off last time
saves time trying to work out how far they had progressed.
can monitor their own progress
see where strengths & weaknesses are
receive feedback as to how well they are doing
can motivate them to continue learning
trainee can work at own pace
not held up by slower members of a class
not left behind when they find tasks more difficult
users often happier to have errors spotted and corrected by a computer
less embarrassed about making mistakes

12. CBT: disadvantages need to be motivated to succeed
not always a tutor to monitor progress
not possible to ask tutor questions if having difficulty
training methods monotonous for auditory learners?
concern that progress is being monitored automatically
‘big brother’?

13. Video-conferencing
see ‘video-conferencing’ presentation

14. Advantages of Video-conferencing
trainees can gain access to expert tutors
even if the tutor is located a long distance away
specialist training - not available in any other form
trainees can ask questions
trainees do not need to travel to find a tutor
saves time and money
groups of learners can collaborate
to receive learning at the same time by one tutor
can reduce the cost of lessons

15. Disadvantages of Video-conferencing
cost
equipment is required & can be expensive (for high quality)
high bandwidth Internet is required
otherwise ‘jerky’ video or unsynchronized audio & video
timing
trainer needs to be present at the time of the training
if there are several trainees then it can be difficult for the tutor to manage
if several trainees ask questions at the same time