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)

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 Types of Electronic Training

Programmed Instruction
Base technology for most CBT

Intelligent Tutoring Systems

Interactive Multimedia

Virtual Reality

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 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.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 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 trainees learning on the basis of the trainees
responses.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 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.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 Desirability of IM Factors

Factor Positive Less Positive

Self-Pacing Pace controlled by Not self-paced
trainee
Trainee can determine Trainee must follow pre-
order of modules determined module order

Can exit at any time. Exiting restricted.

IT provides additional No additional practice
practice available.
opportunities.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 Desirability of IM Factors

Factor Positive Less Positive

Interactivity Short segments Long, non-interactive
followed by segments.
interaction.

Tests for judgments Just tests recall of

and skills as well as information.
facts.

Feedback provides Feedback only on right or

explanations wrong.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 Desirability of IM Factors

Factor Positive Less Positive

Multimedia Realistic and Limited sound and
Sophistication mutually reinforcing. visuals.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 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.

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

Basic Components for creating and delivering CBT

Delivery Systems
Learning
Management Internet or Intranet
System Portable storage device

LAN or Local computer

Authoring &
Design Tools

Knowledge
Base
(provided by content
experts)

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall

 Learning Management Systems
Track info related to training:
Administration
Enrollment
Tuition reimbursement
Training cost
Scheduling of trainers
Employee KSAs
Employees training activities
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 C-13
E-learning

Meaning
E-learning means the delivery of a learning programme by electronic means. E-
learning involves the use of a computer or any other electronic device to provide
training or educational material. E-learning is any virtual act or process used to
acquire data, information, skills or knowledge. E-learning is an enabled learning,
the learning in a virtual world where technology merges with human creativity to
accelerate and leverage the rapid development and application of knowledge. It
covers a wide set of applications and processes such as web-based learning,
computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes
the delivery of content via Internet, intranet (LAN/WAN), audio and videotape,
satellite broadcast, interactive TV and CD-ROM. Communication technology
enables the use of conference calls, video conferencing, Internet chats, content
loaded websites, e-mails, discussion forums, and collaborative software.
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E-learning

Types of E-learning The major types of e-learning

E-learning can be classified E-Learning

as synchronous and
Synchronous Asynchronous
asynchronous learning the
terminology to describe how
and when learning and
EXAMPLES: Instructor led, EXAMPLES:Internet, intranet,
Broad cast or web-cast CD-ROM, mobile phone, ipod.
teaching takes place.

FEATURES: Trainers support, FEATURES: Economical,

peer interaction and student convenience of time and place
tracking. and consistency of content.

Learning Objectives and

Learner needs

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 C-13
E-learning

Significance of E-Learning
There are several reasons why e-learning is gaining significance. Important
among them are, learner-friendly technology, networked environment,
geographically distributed workforce, compressed business lifecycles, instant
learning solutions, high cost of traditional training methods and the challenges of
work-life balance.

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E-learning

E-learning
Programme Process
Understand the
learner
There are a series of characteristics and
design the
activities involved in the programme

successful implementation
of e-learning programmes Identify the Create
business needs
which can together be and learning E-Learning process
infrastructure
and then
needs develop or buy
termed as e-learning thecontent

programme process. E-
learning programme process
Launch the
is by and large similar to programme, track
the progress, and
traditional training process measure the results

with minor changes. It is

shown in Figure. E-learning programme process
Cont.

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E-learning

Advantages
Reduced cost and saved revenues: This is the single most influential factor
in adopting e-learning.
Learning times can be reduced, an average of 40 to 60%, as found by Hall
(1997).
Increased retention and application to the job averages an increase of 25%
over traditional methods, according to an independent study by Fletcher
(1991).
Consistent delivery of content is possible with the asynchronous, self-paced
e-learning.
Expert knowledge is communicated, but more importantly captured, with
good e-learning and knowledge management systems.
On-demand availability enables students to complete training conveniently
at off-hours or from home.
Self-pacing for slow or quick learners reduces stress and increases
satisfaction.
Interactivity engages users, pushing them rather than pulling them through
training. Cont.
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E-learning

Disadvantages
Learner capabilities: Learner capabilities matter a lot in the use of e-learning
techniques particularly of asynchronous learning. For example, we cannot
expect an illiterate employee to operate computer and the Internet for learning.
Nature of learning: E-learning is appropriate for the surface level learning like
acquisition of knowledge and skills. If the objective of learning relates to
advanced topics like attitude, motivation, and other self-exploration issues, then
it may not work.
Cultural barriers: There are still people in this world, particularly among the
working classes, who believe that use of computer and communication
technology at work renders thousands of people jobless. Such unfounded beliefs
may really work as stumbling blocks for the penetration of e-learning across
larger population.
The merits and demerits of e-learning vary depending upon programme goals,
target audience, organizational infrastructure and culture.
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E-learning

Diversity of Learners
The learner composition in e-learning is highly diverse. E-learning is a cost
effective way and taking advantage of this fact, people who could not make it to
a university course may also join. People from different cultures and language
orientation may enroll for the same course since it can be accessed by people
from any part of the world. As a result, one can see a lot of inexperienced
trainees because these courses are an easy and cost-effective way for them to
break into the field. Instructors may have students asking all levels of questions
because they're at different experience levels. That can make it tough for the
instructor because he/she sometimes assume a level of knowledge from the
trainees that may not be there all the time. In synchronous learning, the
classroom population may have students from different countries. These people
become very close; they begin to help one another and call one another by their
first names. Cultural sensitivity in such situations is important. For example
people from the English-speaking countries use the word 'please' even to give
an order to some one, which may not be understood by some of the South
Asians who are not familiar with English culture. Copyright 2007, G Pandu Naik

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E-learning

Teacher-Student Interaction
We all know e-learning is hot, that it will have a major impact on how people
learn and how companies train their employees. According to conservative
estimates, e-learning represented nearly 3% of corporate training delivery
methods in India in 2005, which is expected to grow at 20% annually in the next
five years. The corporate trainers who spent years honing their skills in the
classroom, now have to quickly figure out how to develop and deliver online
learning.
But, we haven't heard much about the effect online training is having on trainers
themselves. Many times, students send introductory emails back. E-trainers may
receive as many as 50 messages per day during the opening weeks of a class.
At the end of the course, student postings usually come down to 10 to 20
questions per day. Students review their assigned course materials each week,
then post questions and comments to the training-site message board.
Interactions in online courses can sometimes be more in-depth than the face-to-
face variety. Copyright 2007, G Pandu Naik

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E-learning

Class Dynamics
An online instructor cannot limit his/her thinking to controlling a class of 60
learners. He/she may have as many as 500 in a single session from across the
world. Only 50 to 60 students of that larger number participate actively with
comments and questions. Making the online classroom 'real' is a conscious
process. Feedback and interactivity are the keys. In most online classes,
communication peaks during the first week and decreases as the weeks
progress. To counter this phenomenon increase activity-based learning as the
classes progress. Give feedback to the students. Encourage students to visit
each other's pages and comment on them. As the students get involved, they
build a classroom community. Strive for a personal touch and sense of humour
to increase the comfort level.

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E-learning

Baptizing into Online Trainer

E-learning has already made substantial inroads into the markets of traditional
training methods. Trainers should therefore change themselves by embracing
this technology-driven revolution of learning. But unfortunately, there are not
many trainers willing to relocate themselves from traditional training to e-learning
business. Many organizations and consultants offer train-the-trainer programmes
in delivery methods ranging from web to satellite to videoconferencing, and
others. the traditional instructors are reluctant to take up online jobs for the
following reasons:
1. Scepticism that training via distance learning isn't as good as the tried-and-
true classroom experience.
2. Fear of using the technology and appearing less than proficient.
3. Training where peers can see them.
4. Lack of control.
5. Fear of losing their jobs.
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E-learning

Train the E-Trainers

Understand different learning technologies and the advantages and
disadvantages of each of them.
Select courses for conversion.
Convert courses or learning content with a media selection guide
Design for short segments of 10 to 15 minutes.
Create effective visual aids.
Dress properly when using the video.
Create effective remote site materials.
Prepare evaluation tools.
Train remote site facilitators.
Ensure easy registration and identify pre-course administration
requirements.
Deliver the learning experience based on the selected technologies.
Set up contingency plans for situations when the technology doesn't work.
Use all equipment and applications depending upon the suitability.
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E-learning

Guidelines for Online Instructors

Assess the time requirement for offline work: Online instructors need to prepare
for the class, and may require to create extra materials personalized for learners.
Encourage interactivity: There are several ways to encourage interaction. For
example, ask open-ended questions, just as you would in a live classroom
setting.
Act with attention: The instructor's answers are posted permanently, for all to
see. Unlike a one-time live classroom workshop, if the instructor feels that his
answer was lacking, he can go back and add a more informed response to the
message thread.
Hone teaching skills: Remember, even though online training takes place in a
high-tech setting with world class communication gadgets, all of them can be
effective only if the instructor is good at teaching and facilitating the learner
activities.
Classroom skills: Several issues in online teaching are similar to those prevalent
in a real classroom like personality clashes.
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E-learning

Classroom Learning and E-Learning Differences

The traditional classroom offers plenty of opportunity for spontaneous
interaction, while the online instructor has to plan interactivity with techniques
such as using a virtual whiteboard, taking polls, and asking participants to speak.
A traditional classroom is fairly forgiving if you're not having a good day. Live
online isn't that way. You have to be well scripted. You can't just pop up a new
slide the way you can go to a new flip chart in the classroom.
It's important for trainers to be continuous learners and open-minded to new
techniques. Online trainers should be experts both in their subjects of expertise
as well as the working of technology. Online learning is a fantastic medium that
offers tremendous opportunity to serve you well years into the future.
Preparation is the key to successful online teaching.
A classroom of professional trainer normally makes for a tough crowd, but e-
learners have proven to be empathetic because they face the same kind of rapid
transition. Copyright 2007, G Pandu Naik

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E-learning

Towards Effective Online Instruction

1. Have a clear objective.
2. Carefully plan and prepare the audiovisuals to achieve the learning
objective.
3. Build in interactivity to keep the participants interested and periodically test
their comprehension level.
4. Encourage hands-on practice. Wherever possible, incorporate a lab
exercise to consolidate learning.
5. Keep students focused. Use graphics and colours to highlight key phrases.
6. Create a non-threatening environment. Create an atmosphere in which
questions and participation are welcome.
7. Practice, practice, practice to build your confidence in teaching online
sessions.
8. Be upbeat. Develop a conversational tone and be enthusiastic.
9. Check in with learners. Are they following the material or have they fallen
behind?
10. Be receptive to criticism. Don't let your ego get in the way.
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E-learning

Criteria to Choose the Best Technology Package

Scalability: Look for solutions that evolve with your business, scaling as
needed, without service interruptions.
Reliability: Look for a robust system built on proven technologies from
companies with proven track records and superior customer service.
Security: Look for a platform that supports security at a foundational level.
Be sure that the system's security provides the flexibility necessary to
enable your business processes.
Adaptability: Look for a system that supports current business processes
and provides the configurability necessary to enable future processes.
Low Total Cost of Ownership: The cost of deploying a new system often
exceeds budgets, especially when the system is highly customized or
difficult to maintain. Look at hidden customization and maintenance costs as
you assess a solution's long-term value.
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E-learning

Criticisms of E-Learning
E-learning is not without critics; e.g. Light and Colbourn (1997) point out that
"learners frequently stated they do not wish technological solutions to replace
face to face teaching". Widespread misunderstanding surrounds the meaning
and significance of e learning. E-learning may be likened to an impressionist
painting where each can see what she or he wants to see. Clear definitions are
vital, as is an acceptance that one size does not fit all in e-education. Information
and communication technology (ICT) offers the opportunity for flexible
programmes designed to fit the needs of a unique learning group, including the
potential for individually tailored programmes. As with all IT driven changes, e-
learning will develop more slowly and less smoothly than its advocates predict,
but with far greater consequences, ultimately, than most assume. It is too early
to answer the obvious question "does e-learning work?" What can be said
however is that e-learning can widen access to education (physically, culturally
and socially) and can be student-centered. It encourages a greater engagement
with learning itself and greater individual learning.
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E-learning

Blended Learning
After reading volumes of literature on various training approaches and attending
tens of training seminars, the training managers often wonder which is the best
approach for effective training is. But there are no ready and easy answers to
this question. In fact, there are several instances wherein a mixture of traditional
programme with e-learning meets the purpose of learning. Here comes the
concept of blended learning. Blended learning is an approach which combines e-
learning with other traditional methods of training for delivering a learning
solution.
In order to make blended learning more powerful, trainers can start looking at all
the media as options: classroom training, web-based training, webinars, CD-
ROM courses, video, and simulations. Other options which are less exciting but
just as important include books, job aids, conference calls, documents, and
PowerPoint slides.
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