Computer-Based Training :: Business Essays

Computer-Based trainComputer-establish training can be found in almost all segments of business and education today. roughly every major corporation has turned to computer-based training for teaching employees everything from company regulations, to compliance, to factory operations (Rothfeder 1998) Candice Harp (1998) adds that Corporate spending for training has risen to everyplace $40 billion each year and a recent survey of Fortune 500 companies found that in some industries, companies dedicate as more than as 5 percent of their information system budgets to training (Harp, Taylor et al. 1998) For one thing, the economics make sense. Employees can be trained at their desktops no national 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 are the discordant forms it takes? BackgroundIn general, computer-based training consists p rimarily of occupational training for full-growns, as opposed to computer-aided instruction 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 place of live instructors in a classroom format or video 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 currently available include interactive compact disc read-only memory 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, flight path baggage handlers, MBAs learning economics, and hostage rescue situations. One of the more sophisticated programs even 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 other(a) 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 mechanics 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 proceeds is a key factor to its popularity.