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.
Back to the top of the page
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.
Back to the top of the page
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.
Back to the top of the page
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
Back to the top of the page