Computer-Based Training :: Business Essays

Computer-Based TrainingComputer-based rearing can be found in to the soaringest degree all segments of business and education today. Virtually every major mass has turned to computer-based dressing for teaching employees everything from company regulations, to compliance, to factory operations (Rothfeder 1998) Candice iterate (1998) adds that Corporate spending for training has risen to over $40 one thousand thousand each year and a recent survey of Fortune calciferol companies found that in some industries, companies dedicate as much as 5 percent of their information system budgets to training (Harp, Taylor et al. 1998) For one thing, the political economy make sense. Employees can be trained at their desktops no social occasion where theyre based, without incurring travel, hotel and meal costs, and theres no lost productivity from the time spent traveling (Rothfeder 1998) But exactly what is computer-based training and what ar the various forms it takes? BackgroundIn gen eral, computer-based training consists primarily of occupational training for adults, as opposed to computer-aided dictation used mainly in educational settings with younger populations. Training refers to any means of delivering information to people so they can do their jobs better. Computer-based training is delivered using computer tutorials in order of live instructors in a classroom format or television set taped instruction. Computer-based training is usually interactive, self-paced, learner-directed, and offers immediate feedback to learners. The various forms of computer-based training soon available include interactive CD-ROM tutorials, multimedia simulations, and most recently, internet and intranet-based programs. Some of the numerous examples where computer-based training has been successfully implemented include instruction for bankers regarding corporate policies, Marine Corps fire teams, airline baggage handlers, MBAs learning economics, and hostage rescue situa tions. One of the more sophisticated programs compensate simulates business war games where profits and losses vary based on management-trainee decisions. AdvantagesAdult learning theory postulates that adult learners prefer a high degree of learner control. Computer-based training provides more learner control than different forms of training because it allows the learner to select the appropriate time to engage in learning and which topics will be covered (Harp, Taylor et al. 1998) Another factor in adult learning theory suggests that adults are motivated by relevance of information to their current needs. With computer-based training, on-demand training is possible for such instances as chemical mechanism using animated, multimedia reference manuals to learn how to correctly install a new part in a car (Bowman, Grupe et al. 1995) Since most of computer-based training is aimed at adult populations, this advantage is a key factor to its popularity.