Computer-Based Training :: Business Essays

Computer-Based TrainingComputer-based formulation slew be found in almost all segments of business and direction today. Virtually every major corporation has turned to computer-based schooling for principle employees everything from comp whatsoever regulations, to compliance, to factory operations (Rothfeder 1998) Candice Harp (1998) adds that Corporate spending for dressing has risen to over $40 billion each year and a recent survey of Fortune 500 companies found that in any(prenominal) industries, companies dedicate as much as 5 percent of their schooling system budgets to training (Harp, Taylor et al. 1998) For one thing, the economics make sense. Employees can be trained at their desktops no matter where theyre based, without incurring travel, hotel and meal costs, and at that places no lost productivity from the time spent change of location (Rothfeder 1998) But exactly what is computer-based training and what are the various forms it takes? BackgroundIn general, com puter-based training consists primarily of occupational training for adults, as opposed to computer-aided knowledge 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 ordinarily interactional, self-paced, learner-directed, and offers immediate feedback to learners. The various forms of computer-based training currently available include interactive CD-ROM 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 army corps fire teams, airline baggage handlers, MBAs learning economics, and hostage birth situation s. One of the more sophisticated programs even simulates business war games where net income and losses vary based on management-trainee decisions. AdvantagesAdult learning guess postulates that adult learners prefer a high degree of learner control. Computer-based training provides more learner control than other forms of training because it allows the learner to take the appropriate time to engage in learning and which topics will be covered (Harp, Taylor et al. 1998) Another factor in adult learning supposition 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 point 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 profit is a key factor to its popularity.