Online training has the advantages of being less costly and much more flexible for IT personnel who cannot take time away from work for classroom training. The main disadvantage of online classes is that students don't get to use a well-maintained lab. Lab simulations are available online, but they are poor substitutes for the hands-on labs we experienced in the classroom. The value of face time Online training also doesn't offer the level of dynamic interaction between instructors and students found in the classroom course. What we learned in the course was through self-paced reading.
Organizations can, however, use the Internet to enhance classroom training.
The CD contains an interactive training course that is based on PowerPoint-like slides, with optional audio presentations and review tests at the end of every chapter. The course can also be taken at NETG's Web site or downloaded to run locally. Although CBT is useful to introduce new Windows 2000 concepts and is less expensive than other options, the lack of instructor support and hands-on lab exercises makes it least viable as a training method. IT managers should consider CBT packages and resource books as reference material or as a supplement to instructor-led training. All Rights Reserved.