PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE

Selecting and Implementing Computer-Based Training can be used by a business person, labor representative, or service provider to determine whether computer-based training (CBT) is the most appropriate methodology for meeting a specific training need. If computer-based training is appropriate, this guide will help you determine the most appropriate type of computer-based training, and determine the best computer-based training product, provider, or site for a company's circumstances. It will also provide guidance on how to implement computer-based training.

CBT offers several advantages over other forms of training, including:

• Cost-effective delivery,
• A self-paced, flexible, and individualized training curriculum, Management control over training activities, and
• A catalyst for gaining acceptance for integrating new technology within a company.

CBT is not an esoteric training delivery method. Advances over the last 15 years in technology and the knowledge of how to properly use it make CBT a tool worthy of investigation any time you are planning a training program.

AUDIENCE FOR THIS GUIDE

This guide is appropriate for your use if you are involved in selecting, developing, or revising training. It is particularly appropriate if you work with small and mid-sized companies, as a company employee or an employee of a service provider, because of the advantages computer-based training can offer smaller organizations.

Companies can purchase off-the-shelf computer-based training programs or enroll their employees in computer-based training labs at relatively low prices, making these training methods very cost-effective for firms that only need to train a few individuals.

Much computer-based training can be provided any time of the day or night, allowing firms the flexibility they need to keep employees at their work stations when they are needed there.

Frequently, trainees do not all need to be participating in computer-based instruction at the same time, which enables firms to rotate workers in and out of training, and keep work stations covered throughout the work day.

Consider the following questions:

• Are you familiar with CBT terminology?
• Do you know when to use CBT?
• Do you know how to select high-quality CBT that is appropriate for your training needs?
• Do you know the proper methodology for implementing CBT? Do you have a list of available CBT resources? Do you know how to locate CBT vendors?

If you answered "no" to any or all of these questions, this guide will provide you with valuable assistance in your training preparation and planning efforts.

WHAT THIS GUIDE WILL DO

Selecting and implementing computer-based training is just one step in the process of developing and operating a training program. To ensure that a training program will meet a company's needs, the company, or a provider in concert with the company must:

1. Identify the problem facing the company,
2. Determine whether training will solve that problem, and,

If training is called for,

3. Determine the most appropriate methodology for delivering training,
4. Select the most appropriate training product or provider, or develop appropriate training,
5. Set up the training program,
6. Deliver the training program,
7. Evaluate the training results, and
8. Use the evaluation results to improve future training delivery.

This guide only pertains to steps 3, 4, and 5:

• Determining whether computer-based training is the most appropriate methodology for delivering training, and, if it is, determining the most appropriate type of computer-based training,
• Selecting the most appropriate computer-based training product, provider, or site, and
• Setting up a computer-based training program.

It assumes that:

A business problem or objective was identified, and it was determined that training would address this problem or meet this objective.

If you need answers to other steps, chances are the National Alliance of Business has a publication that will help you.

Questions? Contact Brett Bixler.