ChapterSeven ComputerBased Training Methods Overview of ComputerBased Training

Chapter-Seven Computer-Based Training Methods Overview of Computer-Based Training (CBT) Today’s competitive business environment requires more knowledge and skill from employees than ever before. This translates into more training for more employees than ever before. At the same time, business success requires companies to lower costs, so companies are looking for ways to provide lowcost training to their employees. Compared with the traditional training methods discussed in Chapter 6, CBT offers the following advantages: ØReduced trainee learning time, ØReduced cost of delivering training, ØMore instructional consistency, ØPrivacy of learning (errors) can be made without embarrassment), ØEasy tracking of trainees’ learning progress, ØTime to allow the trainee to master learning, ØA safe method for learning hazardous tasks, and ØIncreased in employee access to training.

Computer-Based Training Methods Names and descriptions Used for Computer-based Training Approaches CBT Computer-Based Training is the term most used in private industry or government for training employees using computer-assisted instruction. It is a general term referring to training provided in part or whole through the use of a computer PI Programmed Instruction is computer-based programs consisting of text, graphics, and multimedia enhancements that are stored in memory and connected to one another tectonically. Material to be learned is grouped into chinks of closely related information. Typically , the trainees are presented with chunk of information and then tested on their retention of that information. If the trainees have not retained the material, they are referred back to the original information. If they retained the information, they are referred to the next chunk of information to be learned. PI many be computer-based but is also found in printed material and interactive videos. ICAI An Intelligent Computer-Assisted Interaction (ICAL) system is a CBT system that is able to provide some of the primary characteristic of human tutor. It is a more advanced form of PI. Expert systems are used to run the tutoring, monitor trainee knowledge within a programmed knowledge model, and provide adaptive tutoring on the basis of trainee responses.

Computer-Based Training Methods Names and descriptions Used for Computer-based Training Approaches/Cont. . . ITS Intelligent tutoring system make use of artificial intelligence to provide tutoring that is more advanced than ICAI-type tutoring. ITS “learns” the best methods of facilitating the trainee’s learning on the basis of the trainee’s responses. Simulations in CBT provide a representation of a situation and the tasks to be performed in the situation. The presentation can range from identical (e. g. , conflict resolution). Trainees perform the tasks presented to them by the computer program, and the computer program monitors their performance Virtual Reality is an advanced form of computer simulation, placing the trainee in a simulated environment that is “virtually” the same as the physical environment. This simulation is accomplished by the trainee wearing special equipment, such as head gear, gloves, and so on, that controls what the trainee is able to see, feel, and otherwise sense. The trainee learns by interacting with objects in the electronic environment to achieve some goal.

Computer-Based Training Methods E-LEARNING & DELIVERING SYSTEM Learning Management System Delivery Systems • Internet or intranet • CD or DVD distribution • LAN or local computer Authoring & Design Tools Knowledge Base (provided by content experts) Basic Components of Creating and Delivering CBT

Computer-Based Training Methods E-LEARNING & DELIVERING SYSTEM/Cont. . . Once developed, e-learning may or may not be integrated in to Learning Management System (LMS), depending on the sophistication of the company’s e-learning progress of trainees. An LMS can be more or less sophisticated and may or may not included features such as q Authoring, q Class management q Competency management, q Knowledge management q Certification or compliance management q Mentoring, q Chat, threaded discussion, and q Video conferencing. A set of standards called the Sharable Content Object Referenced Model (SCORM) has been created to encourage the standardization of LMSs. Previous figure indicates, the final step is delivering the CBT to the trainees. The most common delivery methods are: q Local computers and local area network (LANs), q CD-ROM and DVDs, q Internet and intranet, and q i. Pods and MP 3 Players.

Computer-Based Training Methods Intelligent Tutoring System An intelligent tutoring system (ITS) is a more sophisticated form of PI. It uses artificial intelligence to assist in tutoring or coaching the trainee. An ITS provides guidance and selects the appropriate level of instruction for the trainee. In addition, and ITS can learn from its own process what worked and what did not in the training process. On the basis of this Information, the ITS improves its methods of teaching the trainee. Intelligent tutoring can be a text-based system or a combination of text with graphics and other types of audiovisual (AV) aids. ITS has five components: an expert knowledge base, a trainee model, a training session manager, a scenario generator, and a user interface. The expert knowledge base is the set of knowledge about what is correct (e. g. , the best way to perform a task, or the knowledge needed to be effective). This corresponds to the “knowledge base” triangle in Figure 7 -1. The trainee model component stores information about the trainees; performance during training, keeping track of what they seem to know. As the trainees respond to items, the information is used to tutor or coach them. The training session manager is the component that interprets the trainees’ responses and responds either with more information coaching (helping the trainee explore the topic), or tutoring (guiding the trainee toward the correct answer). This component also determines how and when to send thee trainee back to more basic material and what strategy to use in the remedial work.

Computer-Based Training Methods Intelligent Tutoring System/Cont. . The user interface: The user interface is the equipment that allows the trainee to interact with the ITS. It commonly includes a computer keyboard, mouse, or joystick. ITS sets itself part from simple PI because in can do the following: Ø Generate instruction that matches the individual trainee’s needs Ø Communicate and respond to trainee questions Ø Model the trainee’s learning processes (assess current level of knowledge and identify misconceptions, learning problems, and needs) Ø Determine what information should follow based on previous trainee responses Ø Determine the trainee’s level of understanding of the topic Ø Improve strategies for teaching the trainee on the basis of the trainee’s responses

Computer-Based Training Methods Strengths and Limitations of CBT methods Costs: Arguments are made both supporting and criticizing the cost effectiveness of CBT. The costs of developing and implementing a CBT program are related to the following factors: Ø Number of trainees taking the course per year Ø Cost of wages per hour for trainees while they are taking the course Ø Cost of wages per hour for course developer Ø Amortized cost of hardware to support the CBT Ø Amortized cost of software the CBT program Ø Hours needed to develop CBT course content Ø Stability of the course content Ø Cost of not addressing the training need sooner with some other method