computer based training ( CBT ) Advantages
Computer-Based Training modules have many advantages. First, there is the cost issue. For companies who have facilities on a national or even international scale, computer based training ( CBT ) is the most cost- effective way to train. Training employees by the conventional means (classroom instruction) requires that the company dole out high travel expense costs for hotel and air for either the
trainer or the actual employees. Computer-Based Training modules would cut down on those travel costs because it can be delivered via snail mail (CD-ROM) or even downloaded off the Internet, hence there are no travel/housing expenses for the trainer or the trainee. "computer based training ( CBT ) constitutes for the first time a tool that enables internationally active companies to train their
associates on a global basis, always to the same standard" (Heer & Samplin, 1997).
Another cost-effective factor is in the computer based training ( CBT )'s flexibility; it does not interrupt trainees' work schedules to train them. "computer based training ( CBT ) optimizes the time available for training, and affords flexibility since training can be taken by most employees on a 24 hr. basis without leaving the
work site" (Congram, 1995). Having this type of 24hr accessibility allows the trainees to work their regular shifts and train on their off hours while not taking away from their production. "Field based employees can train via computer during their slow periods or after hours at home on laptops" (Forster, 1998). According to Rob Sandler, another company that offers their employees 24-hour accesses
to mandatory and personal career development is Molson Brewing Company. Employees at Molson can log on to the computer to learn the latest company compliance course to getting a high school equivalency certificate (1998).
Finally, the highly interactive quality of the computer based training ( CBT ) modules allows the trainee to optimize his/her training time thus cutting time towards training, which also cuts costs of training. According to "Computer-Based Training: Is it the Next Wave?"
The Maul and Spotts research showed that there was a significant reduction in the amount of time needed to complete training. There was an 80.8 fewer minute
s needed between the computer based training ( CBT ) group 159.2 minutes and the CI group 240 minutes. That is a 34 percent decrease on training time. If a company spent ten
dollars an hour per employee and trained one hundred employees the company then saved 8,080 minutes training with the computer based training ( CBT ), the company would save $1, 346.67 each time training was conducted. This isn't even figuring the hard costs of trainers, materials and overtime (Lawson, 1999).
With time cut on training, which also cuts the budget toward training, computer based training ( CBT ) is a very cost-effective option in the Educational Services Department of any corporation.
Another advantage to computer based training ( CBT ) is its self-paced instructional program allows for mastery of the material because time is not a constant. computer based training ( CBT ) modules subscribe to the mastery learning model in which everyone masters the material; it is just the time to master it varies. Whereas, in CI
(classroom instruction) time is a constant and the levels of mastery vary. Since the computer based training ( CBT ) is available to the trainee at any given time, the trainee can spend as much time as he/she needs to fully learn the training material. The best interactive computer based training ( CBT ) modules actually have additional activities to give that trainee the extra help he/she needs.
"computer based training ( CBT ) modular structure permits appropriate steps. Without specific PC experience students are able to call up individual learning steps and repeat them as often as they wish" (Heer & Samplin, 1997). Also, with the bookmark function of the computer based training ( CBT ), a trainee can be interrupted in the program to answer an all-important call or situation and then go
back into the training program again.
computer based training ( CBT ) modules can even be customized to the individual learner with special needs. "Universal Learning Technology is developing customized training packages with built in learning models that support various learning styles and abilities. The models also include training for people with physical and learning disabilities" (Forster, 1998). Not only can the computer based
training ( CBT ) fit the individual's needs, but can also be tailored made to fit a company's needs specifically in its policies and procedures.
Another quality of computer based training ( CBT ) is its administrative function allows employers to track the progress of the companies' employees via a database. The pretest functions of most computer based training ( CBT ) modules allows the HR department to weed undesirable employees, which is beneficial for companies with high turnover rates. According to Sulzer Ruti: Computer-Based
Training,
Customers who suffer from heavy personnel turnovers have expressed their desire for quite some time for an interactive program that makes selection of new employees easier. computer based training ( CBT ) suits this purpose excellently. The applicants are shown sequences of the learning program and are asked questions to test their comprehension. The result permit an objective selection, and the
incorrect decisions and expensive training are thus avoided (Heer & Samplin, 1997).
You rely on your employees to understand your business, and their roles and responsibilities within that business. You need your sales team to be fully knowledgeable about the product line. In fact, your organization probably has many internal and external stakeholders to whom you impart specialized knowledge through formal and informal training. Much of that training is inconsistent and
undocumented.
Whether it's product knowledge, explanation of services, software training, legal issues, interactive reference manuals, or company policies & procedures,
computer based training (CBT) is the most effective cost-efficient method to impart knowledge, offering many inherent benefits unparalleled in any other medium.
Here are 10 reasons why CBT is better than traditional methods of training.
- Less expensive
- Easy to implement
- Convenient and accessible
- Improved retention
- 40-60% less time consuming
- Individualized Instruction
- Refresher training is an added cost-free benefit
- Consistent quality of instruction (quality assurance)
- Precise tracking and measurability
- Easy and inexpensive to update or improve
CBT captivates your audience with stimulating explanations that make use of cutting edge multimedia techniques including graphics, photographs, animation, sound, motion video and simulations.
Quizzes, summaries and various other traditional education methods create a truly dynamic interactive training/education session. Moreover, WBT provides 24/7 instant accessibility for all.
Computer based services including training, assessment, content design, programming and implementation are the core of i2Eye Infotechs offering.
We pay close attention to your particular e-learning objectives, technical requirements and business environment to ensure that our cbt software will deliver on all fronts.
Our experience in customized cbt training covers the following notable industries:
- Software Simulation
- Manufacturing Processes
- Medical and Continuing Medical Education
- IT Security Awareness
- Professional Certification
- Sales Training
- Pharmacy Competence Assessment
- Financial Systems
...and more
i2Eye will be happy to evaluate and incorporate your needs, expectations and audience for a computer based training presentation.
Contact i2Eye to unleash the power of interactive computer assisted education and computer based training modules (CBT).
