Computer-Based Training (CBT) is a form of electronic training that is attracting significant attention as an effective delivery method. It is a serious option for those who need to improve their educational level, from the comfort of their home.
Almost any domain can be included and the results are spectacular. It is not an easy way for many, but those who want to succeed, will do have a high degree of professionalism using it.
The early CBT programs were little more than programmed instruction teaching machines. It was not until the 1990s that their multimedia capabilities were put to full use. It is based on individualized instruction that allows a learner to work through the material at her own pace. It is a natural progression from printed individualized instruction and teaching machines to the computer with its speed, branching capability and visual display.
A series of computer-based training courses, or CBTs, are now available on the Web to help Information Technology customers to acquire or build on their valuable computer-related skill at their leisure. In today's fast-paced business environment, you need flexible training options. CBT offers you a number of ways to learn, either at home, in the office, or on the road. It is possible to develop training in a variety of formats: web-based, or on multimedia CD-ROM.
This project is the second in an Information Technology project, which aims to improve customer service by providing all IT products and services on the Web. These services will be supplied in an automated and convenient way, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.
CBT was initially aimed to train employees as a more convenient and less expensive alternative to seminar training. Now, IT is using this system to bring independent learning to UH staff, students and faculty. By putting the courses on the Web, IT enables people to access the courses at any time, and to educate themselves at their own pace.
The definition of CBT is close to the definition of individualized training - an interactive learning experience between a learner and a computer in which the computer provides the majority of the stimulus, the learner must respond, and the computer analyzes the response and provides feedback to the learner. Its multimedia function has added the capability of displaying information in audio, graphic, and motion video form, which makes the teaching of skills and processes more effective than if only text were used. Individualized instruction delivered over the World Wide Web is a further development of computer-based training.
"Previously, the only way to access the courses was using a CD and an NT Workstation," says James Bradley, manager of Information Services. "We're trying to make it as easy as possible for our customers to access this kind of training. This enhancement also makes the service available to our own Macintosh and UNIX customers."
More than one hundred titles will be available at no cost, ranging from fundamental programming concepts to advanced techniques in almost every category related to professional computer application, as well as self- study courses to aid in the preparation of certification examinations. The primary study fields include classes in Web Design, Communication and Networking, Java, Microsoft Certification Solution Evaluation (MCSE) Training, Microsoft Certification Solution Developing (MCSD) Training, MS Office.
Each course begins with a one-time survey, a step-by-step objective assessment of the knowledge of the course material to determine how the course will be presented, and what it will cover.
"It is self-education," says Bradley, "Since the survey decides what's not relevant based on the customer's knowledge, they'll gain the information they need, without wasting time on familiar material."
The course ends with a Mastery Model, an exam that may be taken as many times as the user desires. According to Don Perry, an Information Services trainer who is leading the CBT project, this course is modeled like preparation courses for Microsoft Certification exams.
"The knowledge that you receive using these interactive courses is very valuable in the professional world," says Perry, "And it's available to IT customers, at no cost."
All customers have access to the courses online. There are two ways of using the online CBT's.
Web-based instruction can be used with any type of computer that can access the Internet and that has web browser software. The key to success in today's complex technical environment is the ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively. This takes strong skills and experience from people and teams that have succeeded in taking projects to completion regardless of the situation. Engineering and IT Services utilize proven experience and methodologies to deliver IT Solutions that meet the business technology needs of their clients.
The skills of Project Leaders and Team Members must be broad and deep. Important expertise in virtually every aspect of Systems Engineering, Software Development, and Technology Solutions are vital. A long experience in delivering complex solutions for the clients is telling that success requires skills in both working with clients as business partners, and in providing leadership to manage large-scale complex consulting engagements.
Computer-based courses usually incorporate proven training methodology to ensure the best rate of information retention for each employee or student. Full audio, engaging graphics, comprehensive text and pre and post practice exams provide the basic applications needed for training and IT certification. Also self-study computer based training course titles are including hands-on lab simulations to offer valuable working experience to provide the highest skill retention.
The courses are usually reviewed, approved or co-developed with industry leaders including Microsoft, Cisco, Lotus, Oracle, and more. If you are looking for industry certifications such as CCNA, MCSE, A+, Network+, CISSP, and more find a training provider!
Examples of where e-learning can be used are management skills, customer care, quality management, process engineering operations, manufacturing procedures - the list is endless. One system can train thousands of people and proves very cost effective reduces the need to travel to a training centre.
Computer training usually offers you:
- e-learning Media Development
- Computer Based Training (CBT)
- Web Based Training (WBT)
- Interactive Learning Media Authoring
- Learning Management Systems (LMS) integration
- e-learning Tracking Systems
- Central Administration Database Logging
Computer training has, usually, a wide range of experience and skills in this area and can develop custom made e-learning, web based training (WBT) and computer based training (CBT) courses for on-line, off-line and CD-ROM deployment. Often an innovative mix of these allows for the training of thousands without the need for all to be on-line at the same time.
If you have people that need training in specific skills based areas then e-learning with links to reference material, tutors and on-line mentoring is an idea solution. Self-assessment test monitored and recorded centrally allows trainers and administrators to keep informed of who and what people are learning. On-line examinations can be carried out and full activity tracking and recording enhances the systems effectiveness.
