Many new programs and opportunities for individual development will be possible because of advances in learning technology. The technology Web-based training through internal and external networks will become a standard as problems with bandwidth and speed are solved. Desktop training and conferencing will continue to grow as more employees become comfortable with it. Interactive distance learning, either through satellite or land-line linkages, will become the preferred method of training for multinational corporations that can't afford the expense or, more importantly, the time to bring contributors to a central location for training. High-definition television will bring back the use of video for both live and prerecorded training programs.
Voice recognition allows data input without the use of keyboards and mice.
This will advance the development of expert systems that people can querie the same way they ask for help of each other. Virtual reality processes will provide true simulations that will allow trainees to experience real situations without real danger. From three-dimensional models to total immersion, this technology will take training from theory to practice in a totally controlled environment. Adapted from ASTD Models for Learning Technologies , by George M. Piskurich and Ethan S. Sanders. For information on this book visit ASTD's Virtual Community Bookstore , or contact ASTD Customer Service at 703.683.8100.