Copyright © 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall Chapter 7 Electronic Training

Electronic Training Training that is mediated in some respect by a computer or other electronic, information processing device. Sometimes called Computer Based Training (CBT) Typically delivered through internet, intranet, or storage device (USB, CD, DVD and so on)

Types of Electronic Training Programmed Instruction Base technology for most CBT Intelligent Tutoring Systems Interactive Multimedia Virtual Reality

Programmed Instruction (PI) Used in ET programs Consists of text, graphics, and multimedia enhancements stored in memory and connected to one another electronically. Learning material is grouped into chunks of closely related information. Trainees are presented with a “chunk” and then tested for retention. If not retained, trainees are referred back to the original information. If retained, trainees are referred to the next chunk of information to be learned.

Intelligent tutoring systems Provide some of the primary characteristics of a human tutor. Expert systems Monitor trainee knowledge within a PI module, and Provide adaptive tutoring on the basis of trainee responses. Example: Microsoft Excel Help and tutorials to teach users how to utilize different aspects of the program they are having trouble with. More advanced forms of ITS “learn” the best methods of facilitating the trainee’s learning on the basis of the trainee’s responses.

Interactive multimedia (IM) Integrates the use of text, video, graphics, photos, animation, and sound to produce a complex training environment with which the trainee interacts. IM can be delivered through most electronic media that have visual and audio capabilities.

Desirability of IM Factors Positive Less Positive Self-Pacing Pace controlled by trainee Not self-paced Trainee can determine order of modules Trainee must follow pre-determined module order Can exit at any time. Exiting restricted. IT provides additional practice opportunities. No additional practice available.

Desirability of IM Factors Positive Less Positive Interactivity Short segments followed by interaction. Long, non-interactive segments. Tests for judgments and skills as well as facts. Just tests recall of information. Feedback provides explanations Feedback only on right or wrong.

Desirability of IM Factors Positive Less Positive Multimedia Sophistication Realistic and mutually reinforcing. Limited sound and visuals.

Virtual Reality An advanced form of computer simulation Places trainee in a simulated environment that is “virtually” the same as the physical environment. Utilizes PI and ITS. Programs vary in ability to simulate actual reality. Trainee learns by interacting with objects in the electronic environment to achieve some goal. Some health issues exist related to too much time in this environment.

Basic Components for creating and delivering CBT Delivery Systems Internet or Intranet Portable storage device LAN or Local computer Learning Management System Authoring & Design Tools Knowledge Base (provided by content experts)

Learning Management Systems Track info related to training: Administration Enrollment Tuition reimbursement Training cost Scheduling of trainers Employee KSAs Employees’ training activities