E-Learning and

Use of Technology
in Training
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning

 New technologies have made it

possible to:
 reduce the costs associated with
delivering training.
 increase the effectiveness of the
learning environment.
 help training contribute to business
goals.
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)
 New training delivery and instructional
methods include:
 online learning (e-learning)
 distance learning
 simulations

 virtual reality
 expert systems
 electronic support systems
 learning management systems
 Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)
 Benefits of Technology
 Employees can gain control over when
and where they receive training.
 Employees can access knowledge and
expert systems on an as-needed basis.
 The learning environment can look, feel,
and sound just like the work
environment.
 Employees can choose the type of media
they want to use in a training program.
 Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)
 Benefits of Technology
 Paperwork and time needed for
administrative activities is reduced.
 Employees’ accomplishments during
training can be monitored.
 Traditional training methods can be
delivered to trainees rather than
requiring them to come to a central
training location.
 Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)

 Digital collaboration
use of technology to enhance and
extend employees’ abilities to work
together regardless of their
geographic proximity.
can be synchronous or asynchronous.
 Digital collaboration can be:
 Synchronous – trainers, experts, and
learners interacting with each other
live and in real time; just like face-to-
face classroom instruction

 Asynchronous – non-real-time
interactions; learners can access
information resources when they
desire them
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)
 Prior to the introduction of new
technology:
 Trainees played a passive role in learning.
 Interaction among learners occurred
primarily outside the training room and
tended to be limited.
 Due to technology, learning has
become a more dynamic process.
 Instructor is more of a coach and resource
person.
Types of Learning Environments
Types of Learning
Environments
Types of Learning Environments
Technology and Multimedia

Multimedia training -
combines audiovisual
training methods with
computer-based training.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Multimedia Training
Computer-Based Training
 It is an interactive training experience
in which:
 the computer provides the learning
stimulus.
 the trainee must respond.
 the computer analyzes the responses and
provides feedback to the trainee.
 It includes interactive video, CD-ROM,
and online learning.
 CD-ROMs and DVDs utilize a laser to read
text, graphics, audio, and video off an
aluminum disk.
Computer-Based Training
(cont.)
 Interactivevideo - instruction is provided
one-on-one to trainees via a monitor
connected to a keyboard.
 Online learning, or e-learning - instruction
and delivery of training by computer online
through the Internet or the Web.
 Internet-basedor Web-based, training - training
delivered on public or private computer networks
and displayed by a Web browser.
 Intranet-based
training - training that uses the
company’s own computer network; accessible only
to the company’s employees.
Potential Features
of E-Learning
Advantages of E-Learning
Research Results Regarding the
Effectiveness of Online Learning
Factors Limiting the Use of E-
Learning
Tips for Developing Effective
Online Learning
Tips for Developing Effective
Online Learning
Principles for Designing E-
Learning
Computer-Based Training
(cont.)
 Technology for collaboration and
linking
 Bandwidth - number of bytes and bits
(information) that can travel between
computers per second.
 Online learning should try to build in
interactivity without requiring the use
of plug-ins - additional software that
needs to be loaded on the computer to
listen to sound or watch video.
Computer-Based Training
(cont.)
 Technology for collaboration and linking
 Hyperlinks - links that allow a trainee to access
other Web sites that include printed materials as
well as communications links to experts, trainers,
and other learners.
 Learning portals – Web sites or online learning
centers that provide, via e-commerce
transactions, access to training courses, services,
and online learning communities from many
sources.
Common Ways of Collaboration in
Online Learning
Blended Learning

 It combines online learning, face-to-face

instruction, and other methods for
distributing learning content and
instruction.
 In comparison to classroom delivery,
blended learning:
 provides increased learner control.
 allows for self-directedness.
 requires learners to take more responsibility
for their learning.
Blended Learning (cont.)

 In comparison to pure online

learning, blended learning
provides:
 more face-to-face social
interaction.
 ensures that at least some of the
instruction is presented in a
dedicated learning environment.
Blended Learning (cont.)

Advantages Disadvantages
 Provides live feedback  Demanding—requires
from peers which is greater time commitment.
preferable to feedback  Fast-changing technology.
received online.  Insufficient management
 Capitalizes on the positive support and commitment.
learning features inherent  Difficult to understand and
in both face-to-face and implement.
Web-based instruction.
Simulations

 Avatars- computer
depictions of humans that
are used as imaginary
coaches, coworkers, and
customers in simulations.
Types of Simulations
Simulations (cont.)

Advantages Disadvantages
 Eliminates the need to travel to a  High development costs.
central training location.  Trainees may not be comfortable
 Meaningful—gets trainees in learning situations that lack
involved in learning, and are human contact.
emotionally engaging.
 Simulators provide a consistent
message of what needs to be
learned.
 Can safely put employees in
situations that would be
dangerous in the real world.
 Results in positive outcomes as
shorter training times and
increased ROI.
Simulations (cont.)

Advantages Disadvantages
Virtual reality -  Allows trainees to  Poor equipment
computer-based practice dangerous that results in a
technology that tasks without reduced sense of
provides trainees putting themselves presence.
with a three- or others in danger.  Poor presence may
dimensional learning  More memory result in the trainee
experience allowing available for experiencing
them to experience learning. simulator sickness.
presence.
Simulations (cont.)

Advantages Disadvantages
Virtual worlds-  Imitates an actual workplace  Lack of ease of use for
computer-based, without any harm. first-time users.
simulated, three  Provides a place to meet with  Potential risk of a
dimensional trainers, managers, or other difficult keyboard and
representation of employees who can serve as mouse interface.
the real world teachers.  High investment of
and a place to  Useful for teaching time and money
host learning interpersonal skills. required for
programs or programming content.
experiences.  Motivates learners by making
learning fun and interactive.  Lack of evidence
 Enhances transfer of training. supporting its
 Used for e-learning, effectiveness for
collaboration, and meetings. learning.
Mobile Technology and
Training Methods: iPods, PDAs
 Mobile technology consists of:
 Wireless transmission systems (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
 Mobile devices (PDAs, GPS, RFID, etc.)
 Software applications
 Challenges:
 Ensuring employees know when and how to take advantage of
the technology.
 Ensuring employees can connect to a variety of networks
irrespective of their location or mobile device.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
(ITS)
 They are instructional systems that use artificial
intelligence.
 Three types of ITS environments:
 Tutoring
 Coaching
 Empowering
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
(ITS) (cont.)
 Different from other new training technologies in
several ways:
 Has the ability to match instruction to individual student
needs.
 Can communicate and respond to the student.
 Can model the trainee’s learning process.
 Can decide, on the basis of a trainee’s previous
performance, what information to provide.
Intelligent Tutoring Systems
(ITS) (cont.)
 Different from other new training technologies in
several ways:
 Can make decisions about the trainee’s level of
understanding.
 Can complete a self-assessment resulting in a modification
of its teaching process.
Components of Intelligent
Tutoring Systems
Distance Learning

 It involves two types of technology:

 Teleconferencing - synchronous exchange of
audio, video, and/or text between two or
more individuals or groups at two or more
locations.
 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.
Distance Learning (cont.)
 Advantages:
 Company saves on travel costs.
 Allows employees in geographically
dispersed sites to receive training from
experts who would not otherwise be
available to visit each location.
 Disadvantages:
 Lack of interaction between the trainer and
the audience.
 Technologyfailures.
 Unprepared trainers.
Conditions When Training Support
Technologies are Most Needed
Technologies for Training
Support
 Expert systems - technology that organizes and applies
the knowledge of human experts to specific problems.
 It has three elements:
 A knowledge base.
 A decision-making capability.
 A user interface.
Technologies for Training
Support (cont.)
 Groupware - enables multiple users to track, share, and
organize information and to work on the same
document simultaneously.
 Companies use groupware to improve business processes,
to improve meeting effectiveness, as well as to identify
and share knowledge in the organization.
Technologies for Training
Administration
 Interactive voice technology - uses a conventional
personal computer to create an automated phone
response system.
 Imaging - scanning documents, storing them
electronically, and retrieving them.
 Training software applications - used to track
information related to training administration,
employee skills, employees’ training activities, online
learning, and transfer of training.
Learning Management Systems: Systems
for Training Delivery, Support, and
Administration
 Learning management system (LMS) - a technology
platform that can be used to automate the
administration, development, and delivery of all of a
company’s training programs.
Features of Learning
Management Systems (LMSs)
Learning Management Systems: Systems for
Training Delivery, Support, and
Administration (cont.)

 Advantages of LMSs:
 Reduces travel and training related costs.
 Reduces time for program completion.
 Increase employees’ accessibility to training across the
business.
 Provides administrative capabilities to track program
completion and course enrollments.
 Allows companies to track all learning activity in the
business.
Learning Management Systems: Systems for
Training Delivery, Support, and
Administration (cont.)

 The major reasons that companies adopt an LMS are:

 To centralize management of learning activities.
 Track regulatory compliance.
 Measure training usage and employee performance.
Learning Management Systems: Systems for
Training Delivery, Support, and
Administration (cont.)

 Developing on LMS
 Senior management needs to be convinced that an LMS
will benefit employees, improve business functions, and
contribute to overall business strategies and goals.
 The company must have an e-learning culture.
 The online learning environment needs to be under the
control of the learner.
Choosing New Technology
Training Methods
 New technology training methods should be considered
when:
 Sufficient budget and resources are provided.
 Trainees are geographically dispersed.
 Trainees are comfortable using technology.
 It is a part of the company’s business strategy and suits its
culture.
 Employees have a difficult time attending scheduled
training programs.
 Current training methods allow limited time for practice,
feedback, and assessment.
Comparison of Technology-based Training Methods