The Realities of Web-Based Training

WEB-BASED TRAINING (WBT)--the use of the World Wide Web for training purposes that can be delivered anytime, anywhere to anyone with access to an Internet-enabled computer--has become a term both loaded with possibilities and mired down in misconceptions. As with face-to-face training, the goal of WBT is to improve skills, enhance learning and understanding, and change attitudes and behaviors over time. When thinking about the best ways to deliver training, WBT offers the ability to deliver training in three distinct ways: synchronously (in real time), asynchronously (not in real time) or by using a combination of the two. In addition, numerous technologies and combinations of technologies can be used to deliver exciting WBT. However, when planning for WBT, administrators should carefully consider how it can best serve the training needs of their organization by examining its various benefits and limitations. Benefits of WBT Educators exploring WBT as an option to meet a school's or district's training needs may find that it provides several advantages over traditional face-to-face training. In fact, several research studies illustrate that WBT is equally as effective in terms of participant grades and scores. Although, in some cases, participants prefer WBT over traditional classroom training. The major benefits of WBT are listed below (Hall 2000; Horton 2000; Gold 1997; and Ligle and Madey 1997). Flexibility and time * Training may occur anytime, anyplace that there is Internet access. * Individuals can learn at their own pace and around their own schedules within a given training time frame. * Individuals gain access to colleagues and experts from geographic locations with whom they would ordinarily not have the opportunity to communicate. * Individuals are able to take advantage of lifelong learning without relocating or quitting their jobs. Learning and understanding * Individuals must think, respond, problem solve, use critical reasoning, interact and be creative to fully participate in WBT. * Individuals may feel more in control of their own learning, thus possibly taking on more responsibility. * Individuals gain access to real-world examples, databases, experts and additional sources of information online. * Individuals are able to reflect in greater depth on responses to questions or activities posed in training before making their answers and opinions public to other participants. * WBT emphasizes a learner-centered approach to training versus simply logging the number of hours spent in training. Cross-platform and varied software * Individuals may be positively challenged by actively navigating the online environment and learning new technologies. * Training may be accessed on several computer platforms, including Windows, Macintosh and UNIX. * Training may be accessed using many of the common Web browsers, including Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, America Online, Lynx and other free proprietary software. Cost * Overall training costs are often cheaper for participants due to eliminating travel and facilities fees. * WBT is less expensive when considering the districtwide and worldwide distribution of training, in relation to the limited number of participants in a traditional classroom environment. * WBT can be easily updated and "recycled" for additional training at a nominal fee. Accessibility and equal opportunity for all * The standardized nature of WBT equalizes delivery of the materials for all individuals. * Opportunities to attend training are created for individuals with disabilities and others who may be excluded due to time, geography or mobility. * Multimedia such as graphics, video and audio can enhance learning and understanding, as well as be adapted to individuals with various learning styles. …