Inf103 Computer Literacy Paper

March 8, 2010

JOSEPH JACKSON
INF103: Computer Literacy
INSTRUCTOR: BASHAR ELKHATIB
WEB-BASED TRAINING

In the following research paper I will be discussing Web-Based training. I will be going into the details of what this type of training consist of, who uses this training, the different types of web-based training, the efficiency of the training, and also my experience with this training. Once you have read this paper I feel you will obtain a better understanding on Web-Based training and be able to not only feel confident with this topic but also talk to others on this topic.
In the following paragraph I will be explaining to you what web-based training is and consists of. Web-based training (WBT) is an innovative approach
to distance learning in which computer-based training (CBT) is transformed by the technologies and methodologies of the World Wide Web, the Internet, and intranets. Web-based training presents live content, as fresh as the moment and modified at will, in a structure allowing self-directed, self-paced instruction in any topic. WBT is media-rich training fully capable of evaluation, adaptation, and remediation, all independent of computer platform. Web-based training is an ideal vehicle for delivering training to individuals anywhere in the world at any time. Advances in computer network technology and improvements in bandwidth will usher in capabilities for unlimited multimedia access. Web browsers that support 3-D virtual reality, animation, interactions, chat and conferencing, and real-time audio and video will offer unparalleled training opportunities. With the tools at hand today, we can craft highly effective WBT to meet the training needs of a diverse population. Web-based performance support systems (WBPSS) further help today's busy

workers perform their jobs by integrating WBT, information systems, and job aids into unified systems available on demand.
The current focus of WBT development is on learning how to use the available tools and organize content into well-crafted teaching systems. Training designers are still struggling with issues of user interface design and programming for high levels of interaction. Unfortunately, there are few examples of good WBT design visible on the public Internet. As instructional designers and training analysts learn how to write and produce WBT, and as training vendors come to realize the overwhelming advantages of this delivery method, expect an explosion in training offerings available over the public Internet and private intranets. I will now be going into who uses WBT. Who uses web-based training is the next topic I will be discussing. Many of today’s top companies and university's are the leaders behind web- based training. This is due to the fact that in order to excel and progress there is a need for more knowledge and for that you will need to train. More than ever students at the collegiate level will have to use some form of training online during their college education. As we speak I can contest that this is a true statement, because I’m a online student and have been completing course online and know that this is the way of the new age. Many of the companies in today’s society use this training for their employees for upgrade training and to also keep up with modern technology. Since modern technology is always changing what better way to keep up with it then to actually keep all your employees current and knowing what’s going on. Everyone that uses WBT must be able to work independently and open to a different age of work, just think when you

were young and in school you would have never thought that one day you could become more educated and learn just as much online then in a classroom. With that in mind we can understand that the people that use this technology is just like you and me.

Since we have just discussed who is using web-based technology I will now talk to you about the different types of training.
There are three types I will cover Computer-bases learning, Computer based training, and Computer- supported collaborative learning. The first Computer-base learning, sometimes abbreviated to CBL, refers to the use of computers as a key component of the educational environment. While this can refer to the use of computers in a classroom, the term more broadly refers to a structured environment in which computers are used for teaching purposes. The concept is generally seen as being distinct from the use of computers in ways where learning is at least a peripheral element of the experience. The second is computer-based training, are self-paced learning activities accessible via a computer or handheld device. CBTs typically present content in a linear fashion, much like reading an online book or manual. For this reason they are often used to teach static processes, such as using software or completing mathematical equations. The term Computer-Based Training is often used interchangeably with Web-based training (WBT) with the primary difference being the delivery method. Where CBTs are typically delivered via CD-ROM, WBTs are delivered via the Internet using a web browser. Assessing learning in a CBT usually comes in the form of multiple choice questions, or other assessments that can be easily scored by a computer such as drag-and-drop, radial button,
simulation or other

interactive means. The last is Computer- supported collaborative learning is one of the most promising innovations to improve teaching and learning with the help of modern information and communication technology. Most recent developments in CSCL have been called E-Learning 2.0, but the concept of collaborative or group learning whereby instructional methods are designed to encourage or require students to work together on learning tasks has existed much longer. All three of these forms of training are very promising and something that I look forward to being a part of. Now I will go into the efficiency of web-based training. The efficiency of Web-based training is something that many have always and will continue to question. In a recent survey with the Microsoft Corporation pilot study showed that 83 percent of respondents would recommend technical, self-paced, online training to a colleague who knows little or nothing about Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5. The majority of those surveyed think that online, self-paced technical training will be used more in the future. A study conducted by International Data Corp. (IDC, www.idc.com) found that nearly 100 percent of those surveyed said they would recommend Internet-based training to companies not yet using the technology. Training over the Internet has several advantages. First, and perhaps most obvious, is the enormous flexibility granted with Web-based training. It is difficult to accept the absence of valuable technical staff for long periods of time, so Internet-based training allows an organization's best technical minds to remain in the office while still keeping them up-to-date on key skills. The logistics and expense of hotels, airlines and meals on the road are avoided. In their place is the ability for employees to train at his or her own pace and at a time that is convenient. The last thing I will be discussing with you now is my very own experience with Web-based training and how I feel it’s helpful and what may need to be done to correct it.

My experience with web-based training has been both good and bad.
I can say that without this option I would have spent much unnecessary time away from my family that I didn’t need. I have learned a great deal even though sometimes the time constraints cannot always be good you just have to adapt. One thing I would stress is that you need to have patience when dealing with online training. There are things that can come up that you may never expect that can cause a big disturbance like power outings, your computer crashing and maybe not always saving you work. Some of these things you may have no control over and just need to be ready for when they happen. If I could I would like to find a better way to communicate when you need to get a question answered right away. This is just a brief overview on my experience and what I would like to see be done different for Web-based training. Now I will go into my conclusion and a quick overview of what I have discussed with you today and what I have
learned. In conclusion I have went over the details of what this type of training consist of, who uses this training, the different types of web-based training, the efficiency of the training, and also my experience with this training. While writing this research paper I myself grasped a better understating on everything that has to deal with Web-based training and hope that you have also. I started with explaining and telling you exactly what you can expect from this online learning. Then I went over the three different types of training and I explained the difference you will get from each type, also I went on to explain how efficient and I also gave an example of a study that was conducted and the outcome of the findings on online training and there benefits and advantages. The last thing that I went over was my very own experiences with web-based learning. Knowing that I used this type of training for my school and job I tried to make sure I give some type of insight that is very useful to other. In conclusion I hope you have enjoyed reading this paper and have taken away some very important things that can help you.

REFRENCES

1. O’Leary, T.J., O’Leary, L.I. (2008). Computing essentials (Ashford University Custom Edition). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill 2. Designing Web- Based Training www.designingwbt.com 3. Web-Based Training www.webbasedtraining.com 4. IDC
www.idc.com