CHAPTER 8 TECHNOLOGY-BASED

TRAINING METHODS
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TECHNOLOGY AND COLLABORATION

Digital collaboration = use of technology to enhance employees ability to

work together regardless of geographic proximity

E.g. electronic messaging systems, e meeting systems, online

communities of learning organized by subject where employees can
access interactive discussion areas and share training content and web
links, social networks, and doc handling systems with collaboration
tech that allow interpersonal interaction

Can be synchronous or asynchronous

Synchronous communication = trainers and learners interact live and in real

time (like face to face classrooms)
o

E.g. video conferencing, live online courses (virtual classrooms)

Asynchronous communication = non real time interactions cannot

communicate without time delay, but learners can still access info resources
when they want to

TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Technological learning environment

o

Technology has allowed learning to be more dynamic learning

environment expanded to include greater interaction between
learnings and training content, and between learners and instructor

Instruction is delivered to learners through technology such as online

learning, simulations

Instructor becomes more of a coach to answer questions

Less involved in delivery of content

Blended learning environment

o

Both online and classroom instruction

Collaboration between learners, learners and training content

(simulation or game), learners and instructors, learners and experts

Web 2.0 tech to create dynamic learning environment

o

Social networking, blogs, wikis, twitter

COMPUTER BASED TRAINING, ONLINE LEARNING, WEB BASED

TRAINING, E LEARNING

Computer based training = doesnt need internet to deliver content

Online learning, web based training, e learning = instruction and delivery of

training by computer through the internet

Interactive video = has many advantages

o

Training is individualized

Employees receive immediate feedback concerning their performance

Training is accessible on a 24 hour basis regardless of EEs work

schedules

High cost of developing interactive video programs and purchasing

equipment offset by reduction in instructor and travel costs related to a
central training location

FEATUERS OF ONLINE LEARNING

Not only provide trainee with content, but also give learners ability to control
what they learn, what speed they progress, how much they practice

Allows learners to collaborate and interact with other trainees and experts
o

Provide other learning resources such as reference materials, company

websites

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING

E-learning supports company initiatives (e.g. expanding number of

customers, initiating new ways to carry out business, speed development of
new services)

E-learning may involve larger audience partners, suppliers, vendors,

potential customers

Delivered faster and to more employees

Updating is easy

Accessible anytime anywhere

Practice, feedback, objectives, assessment, and other positive features of a

learning environment can be built into the program

Learning enhanced through use of multiple media (sound, text, video

graphics) and trainee interaction

Paperwork can be eliminated (admin)

Links learners to other content, experts, peers

EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE LEARNING RESEARCH RESULTS

Online instruction more effective than classroom for declarative knowledge

Web-based instruction and classroom instruction are equally effective in

teaching procedural knowledge (the ability of learners to perform skills taught
in training)

Learners are equally satisfied with web-based and classroom instruction

Web-based more effective than classroom instruction:

When learners are provided with control over content, sequence, pace

In long courses

When learners are able to practice the content and receive feedback

Web-based and classroom instruction equally effective when similar

instructional methods are used
o

E.g. both use videos

Employees who get the most out of online learning are those who complete
more of the available practice opportunities and take more time to complete
training

E-learning is not effective for all, especially those with low computer selfefficacy

DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE ONLINE TRAINING

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Getting management to support online learning

IT needs to be involved in the design of any web-based program to ensure

that tech capabilities are understood, and guarantee that all trainees have
access to browsers and connections theyll need to participate
o

Tech support

Bandwith = # of bytes and bits that can travel between computers

sufficient bandwith?

Plug-in = additional software needs to be loaded on computer to listen to

sound/watch videos/perform functions can be expensive

CREATING A POSITIVE ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

This should help aid retention of learning content and create a meaningful
experience that motivates learners

Flowcharts or storyboards could be created that include all of the course

component

Method of design: Rapid prototyping = iterative process in which initial

design ideas are proposed and provided in rough form in an online working
prototype that is reviewed and refined by design team members

Multiple types of media should be chosen to appeal to different learning

styles

E-learning should be designed to minimize content or work that is unrelated

to the learning objectives extraneous content may take up trainees limited
cognitive processing resources

Repurposing = directly translating an instructor-led, face-to-face training

program to an online format
o

Online training that merely repurposes an ineffective training program

= ineffective training

Effective online learning = uses video, sound, text, graphics to hold learners
attention

Effective online learning provides trainee with meaningful content related to

realistic on the job activities

To ensure materials are not confusing or overwhelming to the learning, online

learning content needs to be properly arranged
o

Orientation to new program should be provided to learners to explain

how to learn online, how to get help, how to interact with peers,
trainers, facilitators

Should also be provided with overview of the course or success factors

for completion

LEARNER CONTROL

One of the webs major potential advantages is that it gives learners control

Learner control = giving trainees option to learn actively through self-pacing,

exercises, exploring links to other material, and conversations with other
trainees and experts
o

Ability to see how content is presented

Pause/skip/review content

Link to additional resources

Simply providing learner control does not ensure that trainees will use all
features provided by online learning
o

Trainees should have access to instructions on how to use learner

control tools, or else difficulty using them will take away from time and
attention that they can use to learn

Companies must communicate the importance and meaningfulness of

training content for employees jobs and hold employees accountable for
completing training

Program should not allow trainees to control amount of feedback they receive
may become overly reliant on feedback reduces long term retention of
training material

Program should offer practice on each topic repeatedly throughout program

Prompt self-regulation improves performance in online training

PROVIDE TIME AND SPACE FOR ONLINE LEARNING

Using formative evaluation of prototypes of web training helpful in

identifying appropriate length and time of modules

End users should be involved in formative evaluation to ensure that music,

graphics, icons, animation, videos, and other features facilitate rather than
interferer with learning

End users need to test the content, navigator, site map to guarantee that
they can easily move through learning module and access resources as
needed

Expectations that trainees will be motivated to complete web-based training

during breaks in normal work-day or personal time are unrealistic
o

Need to ensure that employees are given time and space for e-learning
to occur dedicated time, protected from work tasks

Some places set up learning labs for online learning to occur without
distractions of workplace

Chunking or using one to two hour modules helps trainees learn and
retain more than they might in a standard full/half day training class
Training can also be more easily integrated into typical workday

TECHNOLOGY FOR COLLABORATION AND LINKING

-

Research suggests that some employees fail to complete online learning and
prefer face to face over online learning is because they want to learn and
network with peers
o

Effective online learning connects trainees and facilitates interaction

and sharing through use of collaborative learning tools

SOCIAL MEDIA: WIKIS, BLOGS, MICROBLOGS, AND SOCIAL NETWORKS

-

Social media = online and mobile tech used to create interactive

communications allowing the creation and exchange of user
generated content
o

Provide links to resources such as webinars, videos, and articles related

to new learning content

Helping determine future training needs and issues by using tagging

capabilities

Reinforcing and sustaining learning

Being used as a coaching and mentoring tool

Linking learners before, during, and after a formal training event

Engaging Generation X and millennial employees

Providing content before a face to face learning event

Blog = webpage where author posts entires and readers often can comment
o

Useful for training related to learning objectives

Useful to analyze and synthesize information

Reflect on lesion

Share ideas and applications

Instructors need to provide timely and relevant feedback on blog

entries

Instructors must provide guidelines regarding how blog entries will be

evaluated/what type of entries are desired

Wiki = website that allows many users to create, edit, update content and
share knowledge

Shared media = audio or videos such as YouTube that can be accessed and
shared with others

BLENDED LEARNING
-

Combines online learning, face to face instruction, and other methods for
distributing learning content and instruction

Compared to classroom delivery, blended learning provides increased learner

control adult learning theory

In comparison to online learning, blended learning provides more face to face

social interaction and ensures that at least some of the instruction is
presented in a dedicated learning environment
o

Live feedback from peers is preferable to feedback received online

Blended is more effective than face to face for motivating trainees to learn
and for teaching declarative knowledge or info about ideas
o

Capitalizes on the positive learning features inherent in both face to

face and web based instruction

SIMULATIONS AND GAMES

Chapter 7
VIRTUAL REALITY
-

Virtual reality = computer based technology that provides trainees with a 3

dimensional learning experience

Devices allow trainee to experience presence (the perception of actually

being in a particular environment)
o

Advantage:
o

Influenced by amount of sensory info available to trainee

Allows trainees to practice dangerous tasks without putting themselves

or others in danger

Obstacles to developing effective virtual reality training:

Poor equipment that results in a reduced sense of presence

Poor presence could lead to vomiting, dizziness, headaches because

senses are distorted

VIRTUAL WORLDS
= computer based, simulated online 3d representations of the real world where
learning programs/experiences can be hosted
-

Advantages:
o

Learners are more satisfied with virtual world experiences and learn
more and faster than in traditional courses

Virtual environment allows trainees to practice their skills without

harming products/patients but can still see real-life consequences of
their actions and decisions

Provides a place to meet with trainers, managers, or other EEs who can
serve as teachers

Useful for skill building for non-routine job based on based on

judgement and problem solving

Useful for teaching Interpersonal skills like time management,

communications, leadership, and working under pressure

Teamwork exercises and group problem solving are possible because

avatars can be created to simulate other trainees/they can be involved
in the virtual world too

Disadvantages:
o

Lack of ease of use for first timers

High investment of time and money required for programming content

Lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness for learning

Novelty of experience may help trainees recall the experience, but

they may also interfere with retention and transfer of the training
content

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING

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Mobile learning = training delivered using a mobile device

o

Can involve both formal and informal learning

Formal: elearning courses, podcasts, videos on mobile device

Informal: engaging in communication and messaging with other EEs or

experts via twitter, blogs, or facebook

Advantages:
o

Easy to get up to date info to employees

Useful for enhancing transfer of training through providing follow up

Brings training to employees who are constantly traveling, visiting

clients, or dont have time to attend a face to face course or program

Podcasts = audio or video program content distributed in episodes using

softwares such as RSS
o

Best use of podcasts is for narrative-based content that inspires users

imagination using music and sound effects

Great for sharing expertise of SMEs using interviews, stories, role plays

Cheap and easy to produce

Can be listened to anytime anywhere

Apps = applications designed for smartphones and tablets

o

Used to supplement training, manage path or sequence of training,

and help maintain training records

Some companies are using apps as primary training

Catch learners attention by using attention grabbing videos,
stories, interactions

For mobile learning to be effective:

o

Short, easy to use, meaningful

Estimated course length should not exceed 10 mins because
users likely have smaller attention spans when looking at small
screens
Screen layout should work with or without graphics
Images should be used only where relevant to content because
download time may be slow due to bandwith limitations

INTELLIGENT TUTORING SYSTEMS

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= instructional system that uses artificial intelligence

3 types of ITS environments:
-

Tutoring
o

Coaching
o

Provides trainees with flexibility to practice skills in artificial

environments

Empowering
o

Structured attempt to increase trainee understanding of a current

domain

Refers to students ability to explore content of training program freely

What makes ITS different from other new training technologies:

o

ITS has the ability to match instruction to individual student needs

ITS can communicate and respond to the student

ITS can model the trainees learning process

ITS can decide, on the basis of a trainees previous performance, what

information to provide

ITS can make decisions about the trainees level of understanding

ITS can complete a self-assessment resulting in a modification of its

teaching process

DISTANCE LEARNING
Used by geographically dispersed companies to provide information and deliver
skills traiing and expert lectures
-

E.g. virtual classrooms: projection of still, animated, and video images

o

Instructor-participant audio discussion

Sharing of computer software applications

Interactions using instant polling tech

Features two-way communication between people:

o

Teleconferencing = synchronous exchange of audio, video, or text

between two or more individuals or groups at two or more locations

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Individualized, personal computer based training

EEs participate anywhere they have access asynchronous

Virtual classroom = using a computer and internet to distribute instructor led

training to geographicall dispersed employees
o

Cost savin g and convenient

Guidelines:
Design short modules and follow up with an assignment that
applies learning to job
Make learning interactive and interesting
Include media such as video and audio
Limit classroom size to no more than 25 learners
Offer learners multiple ways of interacting with each other and
the instructor, including webinars, email, discussion rooms,
message boards, blogs

Interactive distance learning (IDL) = latest generation of distance learning,

which uses satellite technology to broadcast programs to different locations
and allows trainees to respond to questions posed during the training
program using a keypad
o

Used by orgs with EEs in lots of different locations who lack computers
or online access allows EEs to see behaviours rather than just read
or hear

Advantages:
Save on travel costs while allowing EEs to receive training from
experts

Webcasting = instruction provided online through live broadcasts (EEs

could ask questions)

Disadvantages:
Lack of interaction between trainer and audience
Technology failures
Unprepared trainers

To engage trainees in distance learning environment, limit online

sessions to 60-90mins, maintain good instructional pace, avoid
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unnecessary text, use relevant and engaging visuals, allow trainees to

participate using polling deices and small group discussions and
projects
Group spokesperson can be assigned to summarize and
communicate the groups ideas
o

Have backup plans in case of technical issues

TECHNOLOGIES FOR TRAINING SUPPORT

Expert Systems
-

Technology that organizes and applies knowledge of human experts

to specific problems

3 elements:
o

Knowledge base that contains facts, figures, rules about

specific subject

Decision-making capability that imitating an experts

reasoning ability, draws conclusions from those facts and
figures to solve problems and answer questions

A user interface that gathers and gives information to the

person using the system

Used as a support tool that employees refer to when they have

problems that exceed their KSAOs

Can deliver high quality and low costs

Enables many people to arrive at decisions that reflect experts

knowledge

Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSSs)

Electronic infrastructure that captures, stores, distributes individual and corporate
knowledge throughout an organization to enable individuals to achieve required
levels of performance in the fastest time with minimum support from other people
-

Generally includes all the softwares needed to support the work of individuals

The typical EPSS includes:

o

An assistant to automate tasks and lighten the workload

A librarian to provide task-specific information

A teacher to guide the user through the process step by step

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o
-

An advisor to provide expert advice

To use EPSSs as a substitute for training, trainers must determine whether

problems and tasks require employees to acquire KSAOs and whether
periodic assistance through an EPSS is sufficient

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: SYSTEMS FOR TRAINING DELIVERY,

SUPPORT, AND ADMINISTRATION

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