Advantages of CBT

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What is Computer-based Training (CBT)?

    Computer-Based Training is a type of education in which the student learns by executing special training programs on a computer. CBT is especially effective for training people to use computer applications because the CBT program can be integrated with the applications so that students can practice using the application as they learn.
    Definition courtesy of PC Webopaedia

    Many people wonder " What is computer based training? " and what are the benefits of its implementation.
    Simply put, computer based training (CBT) is the use of computers and multimedia technology for training in a way that promotes student interest and motivation.
    The computer's multimedia capability to show graphics, run simulations, and play sound, video, and animation greatly enhances the learning experience. Multimedia creates a complete multi-sensory learning program, allowing students to interact with the material, and to learn according to their own needs, pace, and learning styles.
    Rather than replacing instructor-led training, CBT's flexibility and economy augment traditional training methods. In fact, the very nature of computer-based training - its availability at any time and any place - makes it an ideal resource for on-the-job training. The delivery of training to remote locations, large staff situations, multiple offices, and to a variety of training levels are all needs that CBT can satisfy on both performance and budgetary levels.
    The movement of multimedia technology into the mainstream workplace has converged with real employee training needs to provide practical solutions for delivering that training, that computer based training.
    Definition courtesy of The Theory behind CBT

Office-Pro's CBT courses feature all of the features listed above and more. They all are highly interactive, use simulations of the applications so that the student can practise what he or she learns without even needing the application, and have many other unique features, such as comprehensive Skills Assessment to make the whole learning experience a better one. Click here to find out more information about our courses and find out why Office-Pro is the single source for your complete PC training needs.

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What are the benefits of CBT to the student or employee?

  • Enhanced learning and retention levels.
  • The convenience of being able to study wherever and whenever it is convenient to you.
  • Uniform study material that flows smoothly across all levels.
  • Optional assessment programs that are linked to the course material are available to ensure value for money as well as course effectiveness.
  • No need to spend time away from work or to travel to classrooms.
  • Comprehensive bookmark feature allows you to leave your study whenever you need and then return to the exact same spot where you left off.

In fact, CBT provides the most effective solution to computer application skills training available today, at a fraction of the cost of conventional Instructor led training.

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What are the benefits of CBT to the employer or corporation that implements CBT?

  • Enhanced learning and retention levels.
  • The convenience of being able to study wherever and whenever it is convenient to the students without them having to leave the work place, so you don't lose productivity.
  • Uniform study material across the entire organisation.
  • Tracking and assessment programs to ensure value for money as well as course effectiveness.
  • No dedicated classrooms or Instructors needed.

In fact, CBT provides the most effective solution to employee computer application skills training available today, at a fraction of the cost of conventional Instructor led training.

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What others are saying about CBT?

Classroom vs. CBT

Course of study completed in 27% less time with CBT Course of study completed with average 16% increased learning
"Performance & Instruction" vol 27 #7. Klein & Malcom

The median time saving over conventional methods was 30%
"Computer Based Training", Greg Kearsley. Addison Wesley Publishing

CBT achieved superior results 33% of the time in a review of 48 studies; Orlansky & Sting - 1991
"Computer Based Training", Greg Kearsley. Addison Wesley Publishing

Reductions in training time with CBT are reported to be in the range of 20-75%
KPMG Peat Marwick in Multimedia & Training

Increased retention by 50% using InfoSource's Seminar On a Disk at Virginia State University
Chronicle of Higher Education, Thomas Walker, Associate Professor of Engineering.

SIMULATION
"Of all teaching methods, simulation demonstrated most vividly the advantages of using the computer."
Handbook of Computer Based Training, P. 139

INTERACTIVITY
"The very act of sitting at a terminal and seeing it respond to the student's actions is often very motivating for many users, despite, in many cases, fear of the medium."
Handbook of Computer Based Training, P. 151  

BETTER USE OF STUDENT TIME
"Typically in the classroom, the pace is dictated by the slowest learner. (Alternatively, and equally unsatisfactory, the slower learners in the classroom may feel embarrassed and not admit when they do not understand a topic, and the class will move too quickly.) With CBT, learners control their own pace through the material and are not tied to the slowest learners in the classroom."
KPMG Peat Marwick in, Multimedia and Training, October 1994.

JUST IN TIME TRAINING
"CBT saves time by allowing employees to obtain training on demand, or Just in Time, so they do not have to wait for scheduled training." KPMG Peat Marwick in Multimedia and Training, October 1994. "Classroom training is seldom economic, and not usually very effective for very small groups (two or three people) ... A CBT course can be taken by the students as they become ready without any delay. Again trainees become productive more rapidly."
Handbook of Computer Based Training, P. 154

EASIER AND MORE ACCURATE MONITORING OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE
"the ability of computer based training to monitor and record statistics of individual students including, if necessary, the time spent on particular topics, can lead to considerable savings in the time of trainers in supervising marking and recording the results of students' tests."
Handbook of Computer Based Training, P. 156

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