Traditional versus Computer-Based Training Methods Whether it is delivered in a classroom or an auditorium, or on an intranet or internet, training is designed to teach someone something. Training is situation specific and audience dependent. It is driven by the way it is delivered, and the content being taught. When the decision to conduct training is made, another decision must be made, and that is how the training will be presented. Should the training be conducted in a more traditional setting using lectures, discussions, demonstrations or a combination of these; or should the training be conducted in a computer-based training environment? While both types of training teach the same thing, everyone learns differently and trainees must decide whether traditional or computer–based training methods work best for them.
Traditional Training Methods Traditional methods of training can be divided into two general categories: presentation and hands-on. Presentation is quite simply training methods that present information to trainees. These methods include lectures, discussions and demonstrations and are usually more passive and less interactive. Hands-on methods include games and simulations where the trainee plays a more active role in the training by doing things such as role playing instead of just listening.
Lecture Method Lecture is the most widely used presentation form of training. It can be in print or oral form, and the oral form can be live or presented on video. In most cases all training sessions use some form of lecture
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