Subjects:
a manner which existed only in our parents and grandparents imaginations. Within
little more than a generation, we have moved from an era where it took a letter weeks
to reach its destination, to one in which the click of a button can transfer information
anywhere in the world in a matter of minutes. It is this same technology that has
revolutionized training and development programs. This information and
communications technology, which encompasses the Internet, Intranet, and CD ROMS,
is not a passing fad promoted by Bill Gates or his counterparts, but rather a resource
It is perhaps in business and industry where this information and
communications technology has had the most impact. Not only has technology
“changed the nature of work but has also become the essential tool by which people in
the professions, industry and commerce maintain their knowledge and skills” (Working
Smarter, p. 1). In today’s ever changing work environment, the value of a
knowledgeable, competent workforce is tremendous, and the role that technology plays
in producing these capable employees should not be underestimate
. . .
could be hard to look past the technology and really look at the content. ’
Although, multimedia is a great training option for delivering highly interactive,
graphical material; it’s not one of the best options for text-heavy material.
Ongoing
Yet another advantage is that training is ongoing.
Furthermore, multimedia provides a stress free environment for the learner, as
learners can “make mistakes without risking criticism or embarrassment. If there is anything we all seem to be short on is time. “Where a standard course is
generally a one-off event, the learning that takes place through electronic means tends
to be ongoing, allowing participants to develop their thoughts, follow up hunches,
research ideas and comment” (Ongoing Professional Development, 1995, p. This flexibility presents the learners with a learning
freedom equated only by the Internet. Costs incurred for traditional trainings, such
as travel and lodging, are not a factor with electronic training, and therefore reduce
company overhead. As mentioned earlier, the main tools available to us within this information
and communications technology is the Internet, the Intranet - which “in effect, it’s a
private Internet” (Stevens, 1996, p. After all, statistics already indicate that “people learn
30% more in 40% less time at 30% less cost by using computer-assisted tools”
(Computers, 1998, p.
But if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably need more than just statistics to
prompt you into replacing your trustworthy, although outdated training methods with
this new, and perhaps even a bit threatening, technology.
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