Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

2.6. IN CONCLUSION

2.6.1. Summary

• WBT lets people learn where and when they need training.

• WBT works best for teaching well-organized objective knowledge to mature, motivated learners who cannot participate in conventional training.

• WBT can reduce training costs such as travel, facilities, administration, and lost time by 30 to 80%. WBT typically costs much more to develop than conventional training but much less to deliver.

• WBT can improve learning by exposing learners to real-world examples and cases, by enabling collaboration and cooperation with distant partners, by encouraging reflection instead of mere reaction, and by emphasizing results rather than attendance.

• WBT is more work than classroom training-for designers, instructors, and learners. It requires more detailed design, more careful production, and greater participation.

• With WBT learners may miss direct face-to-face contact with the instructor and other learners, though Web collaboration may fill this void for some.

• Numerous comparisons find WBT courses as effective as classroom training—or better.

2.6.2. For more

Trade magazines serving the training community frequently carry articles on the merits of various forms of training and on calculating their costs and benefits. Check back issues of:

• Training and Development (www.astd.org/virtual_community/td_magazine//)

• Inside Technology Training (www.ittrain.com/)

• Technical Training (www.astd.org/virtual_community/tt_magazine//) Search the Web for: WBT advantages or WBT costs ...