1. Chapter 8
E-Learning and Use of
Technology in Training
Copyright © 2010 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.McGraw-Hill/Irwin

2. 8-2
• New technologies have made it possible
to:
– reduce the costs associated with delivering
training.
– increase the effectiveness of the learning
environment.
– help training contribute to business goals.
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning

3. 8-3
• New training delivery and instructional
methods include:
– online learning (e-learning)
– distance learning
– simulations
– virtual reality
– expert systems
– electronic support systems
– learning management systems
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)

4. 8-4
• Benefits of Technology
– Employees can gain control over when and
where they receive training.
– Employees can access knowledge and expert
systems on an as-needed basis.
– The learning environment can look, feel, and
sound just like the work environment.
– Employees can choose the type of media they
want to use in a training program.
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)

5. 8-5
• Benefits of Technology
– Paperwork and time needed for administrative
activities is reduced.
– Employees’ accomplishments during training can
be monitored.
– Traditional training methods can be delivered to
trainees rather than requiring them to come to a
central training location.
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)

6. 8-6
• Digital collaboration
– use of technology to enhance and extend
employees’ abilities to work together
regardless of their geographic proximity.
– can be synchronous or asynchronous.
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)

7. 8-7
• Prior to the introduction of new technology:
– Trainees played a passive role in learning.
– Interaction among learners occurred primarily
outside the training room and tended to be
limited.
• Due to technology, learning has become a
more dynamic process.
– Instructor is more of a coach and resource
person.
Technology’s Influence on
Training and Learning (cont.)

8. 8-8
Figure 8.1 - Types of Learning
Environments

9. 8-9
Figure 8.1 - Types of Learning
Environments

10. 8-10
Figure 8.1 - Types of Learning
Environments

11. 8-11
Technology and Multimedia
• Multimedia training - combines audiovisual
training methods with computer-based
training.

12. 8-12
Table 8.2 - Advantages and Disadvantages of
Multimedia Training

13. 8-13
Computer-Based Training
• It is an interactive training experience in
which:
– the computer provides the learning stimulus.
– the trainee must respond.
– the computer analyzes the responses and
provides feedback to the trainee.
• It includes interactive video, CD-ROM, and
online learning.
– CD-ROMs and DVDs utilize a laser to read text,
graphics, audio, and video off an aluminum disk.

14. 8-14
Computer-Based Training (cont.)
– Interactive video - instruction is provided one-on-
one to trainees via a monitor connected to a
keyboard.
– Online learning, or e-learning - instruction and
delivery of training by computer online through
the Internet or the Web.
• Internet-based or Web-based, training - training
delivered on public or private computer networks and
displayed by a Web browser.
• Intranet-based training - training that uses the
company’s own computer network; accessible only to
the company’s employees.

15. 8-15
Figure 8.3 - Potential Features of E-Learning

16. 8-16
Table 8.3 - Advantages of E-Learning

17. 8-17
Table 8.4 - Research Results Regarding the Effectiveness
of Online Learning

18. 8-18
Table 8.5 - Factors Limiting the Use of
E-Learning

19. 8-19
Table 8.6 - Tips for Developing Effective Online Learning

20. 8-20
Table 8.6 - Tips for Developing
Effective Online Learning

21. 8-21
Table 8.7 - Principles for Designing E-
Learning

22. 8-22
Computer-Based Training (cont.)
• Technology for collaboration and linking
– Bandwidth - number of bytes and bits
(information) that can travel between computers
per second.
– Online learning should try to build in interactivity
without requiring the use of plug-ins - additional
software that needs to be loaded on the computer
to listen to sound or watch video.

23. 8-23
Computer-Based Training (cont.)
• Technology for collaboration and linking
– Hyperlinks - links that allow a trainee to access
other Web sites that include printed materials as
well as communications links to experts, trainers,
and other learners.
– Learning portals – Web sites or online learning
centers that provide, via e-commerce
transactions, access to training courses, services,
and online learning communities from many
sources.

24. 8-24
Table 8.8 - Common Ways of Collaboration in Online Learning

25. 8-25
Blended Learning
• It combines online learning, face-to-face
instruction, and other methods for
distributing learning content and instruction.
• In comparison to classroom delivery, blended
learning:
– provides increased learner control.
– allows for self-directedness.
– requires learners to take more responsibility for
their learning.

26. 8-26
Blended Learning (cont.)
• In comparison to pure online learning,
blended learning provides:
– more face-to-face social interaction.
– ensures that at least some of the instruction is
presented in a dedicated learning environment.

27. 8-27
Blended Learning (cont.)
Advantages Disadvantages
Provides live feedback
from peers which is
preferable to feedback
received online.
Capitalizes on the
positive learning
features inherent in
both face-to-face and
Web-based instruction.
 Demanding—requires
greater time
commitment.
 Fast-changing
technology.
 Insufficient
management support
and commitment.
 Difficult to understand
and implement.

28. 8-28
Simulations
• Avatars - computer depictions of humans that
are used as imaginary coaches, coworkers,
and customers in simulations.

29. 8-29
Table 8.9 – Types of Simulations

30. 8-30
Simulations (cont.)
Advantages Disadvantages
Eliminates the need to
travel to a central training
location.
Meaningful—gets trainees
involved in learning, and are
emotionally engaging.
Simulators provide a
consistent message of what
needs to be learned.
Can safely put employees in
situations that would be
dangerous in the real world.
Results in positive outcomes
as shorter training times
and increased ROI.
 High development costs.
 Trainees may not be
comfortable in learning
situations that lack human
contact.

31. 8-31
Simulations (cont.)
Advantages Disadvantages
Virtual reality -
computer-based
technology that
provides trainees
with a three-
dimensional learning
experience allowing
them to experience
presence.
Allows trainees to
practice dangerous
tasks without
putting themselves
or others in
danger.
More memory
available for
learning.
Poor equipment
that results in a
reduced sense of
presence.
Poor presence may
result in the
trainee
experiencing
simulator sickness.

32. 8-32
Simulations (cont.)
Advantages Disadvantages
Virtual worlds-
computer-
based,
simulated, three
dimensional
representation
of the real world
and a place to
host learning
programs or
experiences.
Imitates an actual workplace
without any harm.
Provides a place to meet
with trainers, managers, or
other employees who can
serve as teachers.
Useful for teaching
interpersonal skills.
Motivates learners by
making learning fun and
interactive.
Enhances transfer of
training.
Used for e-learning,
collaboration, and meetings.
Lack of ease of use
for first-time users.
Potential risk of a
difficult keyboard and
mouse interface.
High investment of
time and money
required for
programming content.
Lack of evidence
supporting its
effectiveness for
learning.

33. 8-33
Mobile Technology and Training
Methods: iPods, PDAs
• Mobile technology consists of:
– Wireless transmission systems (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
– Mobile devices (PDAs, GPS, RFID, etc.)
– Software applications
– Challenges:
• Ensuring employees know when and how to take advantage
of the technology.
• Ensuring employees can connect to a variety of networks
irrespective of their location or mobile device.

34. 8-34
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS)
• They are instructional systems that use
artificial intelligence.
• Three types of ITS environments:
– Tutoring
– Coaching
– Empowering

35. 8-35
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS)
(cont.)
• Different from other new training
technologies in several ways:
– Has the ability to match instruction to individual
student needs.
– Can communicate and respond to the student.
– Can model the trainee’s learning process.
– Can decide, on the basis of a trainee’s previous
performance, what information to provide.

36. 8-36
Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS)
(cont.)
• Different from other new training
technologies in several ways:
– Can make decisions about the trainee’s level of
understanding.
– Can complete a self-assessment resulting in a
modification of its teaching process.

37. 8-37
Figure 8.4 - Components of Intelligent Tutoring Systems

38. 8-38
Distance Learning
• It involves two types of technology:
– Teleconferencing - synchronous exchange of
audio, video, and/or text between two or more
individuals or groups at two or more locations.
– Interactive distance learning (IDL) - latest
generation of distance learning, which uses
satellite technology to broadcast programs to
different locations and allows trainees to respond
to questions posed during the training program
using a keypad.

39. 8-39
Distance Learning (cont.)
• Advantages:
– Company saves on travel costs.
– Allows employees in geographically dispersed sites
to receive training from experts who would not
otherwise be available to visit each location.
• Disadvantages:
– Lack of interaction between the trainer and the
audience.
– Technology failures.
– Unprepared trainers.

40. 8-40
Table 8.10 - Conditions When Training Support
Technologies are Most Needed

41. 8-41
Technologies for Training Support
• Expert systems - technology that organizes
and applies the knowledge of human experts
to specific problems.
– It has three elements:
• A knowledge base.
• A decision-making capability.
• A user interface.

42. 8-42
Technologies for Training Support
(cont.)
• Groupware - enables multiple users to track,
share, and organize information and to work
on the same document simultaneously.
– Companies use groupware to improve business
processes, to improve meeting effectiveness, as
well as to identify and share knowledge in the
organization.

43. 8-43
Technologies for Training
Administration
• Interactive voice technology - uses a
conventional personal computer to create an
automated phone response system.
• Imaging - scanning documents, storing them
electronically, and retrieving them.
• Training software applications - used to track
information related to training administration,
employee skills, employees’ training activities,
online learning, and transfer of training.

44. 8-44
Learning Management Systems: Systems for Training
Delivery, Support, and Administration
• Learning management system (LMS) - a
technology platform that can be used to
automate the administration, development,
and delivery of all of a company’s training
programs.

45. 8-45
Table 8.12 - Features of Learning Management Systems (LMSs)

46. 8-46
Learning Management Systems: Systems for Training Delivery,
Support, and Administration (cont.)
• Advantages of LMSs:
– Reduces travel and training related costs.
– Reduces time for program completion.
– Increase employees’ accessibility to training across
the business.
– Provides administrative capabilities to track
program completion and course enrollments.
– Allows companies to track all learning activity in
the business.

47. 8-47
Learning Management Systems: Systems for Training Delivery,
Support, and Administration (cont.)
• The major reasons that companies adopt an
LMS are:
– To centralize management of learning activities.
– Track regulatory compliance.
– Measure training usage and employee
performance.

48. 8-48
Learning Management Systems: Systems for Training Delivery,
Support, and Administration (cont.)
• Developing on LMS
– Senior management needs to be convinced that
an LMS will benefit employees, improve business
functions, and contribute to overall business
strategies and goals.
– The company must have an e-learning culture.
– The online learning environment needs to be
under the control of the learner.

49. 8-49
Choosing New Technology Training
Methods
• New technology training methods should be
considered when:
– Sufficient budget and resources are provided.
– Trainees are geographically dispersed.
– Trainees are comfortable using technology.
– It is a part of the company’s business strategy and
suits its culture.
– Employees have a difficult time attending
scheduled training programs.
– Current training methods allow limited time for
practice, feedback, and assessment.

50. 8-50
Table 8.13 - Comparison of Technology-based
Training Methods