Chapter 8

E-Learning & Use of Technology in

Training
Md. Awal Al Kabir
Assistant Professor
Jahangirnagar University
Learning Objectives
• Explain how new technologies are influencing training
• Evaluate a web-based training site
• Explain how learning and transfer of training are enhanced by new
training technologies
• Explain the strengths and limitations of e-learning, mobile
learning training methods (such as iPads), and simulations
• Explain the different types of social media and the conditions
conducive to their use for training
 Recommend what should be included in an electronic performance
support system
 Compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of traditional
training methods versus those of technology-based training
methods

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 Technology’s Influence on Training and Learning

New technologies have made it possible to:

Reduce costs associated with delivering training
Increase effectiveness of the learning environment
Help training contribute to business goals

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New Technologies Used for Training

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New Technologies Used for Training

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 Benefits of Technology
Employees can gain control over when and where they
receive training
Employees can access knowledge and expert systems on an
as-needed basis
The learning environment can look, feel, and sound just like
the work environment
Employees can choose the type of media they want to use in
a training program
Paperwork and time needed for administrative activities is
reduced
Employees’ accomplishments during training can be
monitored
Traditional training methods can be delivered to trainees
rather than requiring them to come to a central training
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 Technology and Collaboration
Digital collaboration: Use of technology to enhance and
extend employees’ abilities to work together regardless of
their geographic proximity
Requires a computer, tablet, or phone with a web browser or
app, but collaborative
Types
Synchronous communication: Trainers, experts, and learners
interact with each other live and in real time, the same way they
would in face-to-face classroom instruction
Asynchronous communication: Non-real-time interactions

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Types of
Learning
Environments

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Classroom Learning Environment

Trainer / Instructor
• Delivery
• Content

Learner
Learner Learner
Learner Learner
Learner

Experts
Resource Materials

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Technological Learning Environment

Trainer
Trainer/ /Instructor
Instructor

Delivery Mechanism
• Content

Learner
Learner Learner
Learner Learner
Learner

Resource Materials
Experts
Experts Websites

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Blended Learning Environment

Trainer
Trainer/ /Instructor
Instructor
Online Learning •• Delivery
Delivery
•• Content
Content

Learner
Learner Learner
Learner Learner
Learner

Resource Materials
Experts
Experts Websites

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Computer-Based Training, Online Learning,
Web-Based Training, E-learning
Refers to instruction and delivery of training by computer
through the Internet or the web
Include and integrate into instruction text:
Interaction using simulations and games, and video
Collaboration using blogs, wikis, and social networks
Hyperlinks to additional resources
In some types of CBT training:
Content is provided stand-alone using software or DVDs with no
connection to the Internet
• Online learning, e-learning, and web-based training include
delivery of instruction using the Internet or web
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Potential Features of E-learning

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Advantages of E-learning

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Research Results Regarding the Effectiveness
of Online Learning

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Tips for
Developing
Effective
Online
Learning

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Developing Effective Online Learning
Needs assessment - Includes getting management to support
online learning
Bandwidth: The number of bytes and bits (information) that can
travel between computers per second
Plug-ins: Additional software that needs to be loaded on the
computer to listen to sound, watch video, or perform other
functions
Creating a positive online learning experience
Rapid prototyping: An iterative process in which initial
design ideas are proposed and provided in rough form in an
online working prototype that is reviewed and refined by
design team members
Repurposing: Directly translating an instructor-led, face-to-
face training program to an online format 8-17
Principles for Creating a Positive Learning
Experience

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Developing Effective Online Learning
Learner control: Giving trainees the option to learn
actively through:
Self-pacing
Exercises
Exploring links to other material
Conversations with other trainees and experts

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Providing Time and Space for Online Learning
Given the work demands that employees face, trainees
need incentives to complete online learning
Presenting cash awards and merchandise
Certifying programs to ensure that online courses are
completed

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Technology for Collaboration and Linking
Hyperlinks: Links that allow a trainee to access other
websites that include:
Printed materials
Communications links to experts, trainers, and other learners
Learning with and creating a network with peers an
important aspect for some employees
Prefer instructor-led face-to-face instruction over online
learning

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 Social Media
Online and mobile technology used to create interactive
communications allowing the creation and exchange of user-
generated content
Useful for:
Providing links to resources related to new learning content
Helping determine future training needs reinforcing and
sustaining learning
Being used as a coaching and mentoring tool
Linking learners through a formal training event
Engaging Generation X and millennial employees
Providing content before a face-to-face learning event

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Social Media: Blogs
 A webpage where an author posts entries and readers can
comment
Personal blogs - Written by one person
Company blogs - Used for marketing and branding purposes
Topic blogs - Focus on a specific topic area
Video blogs and mobile device blog
Social Media: Wikis and Microblogs
 Wiki: A website that allows many users to create, edit, and update
content and share knowledge
 Microblog: Software tools like Twitter
Enable communications in short bursts of text, links, and
multimedia through:
Stand-alone applications, online communities or social
networks
Shared media: Audio or video such as YouTube that can be
accessed and shared with others
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Factors to Consider in Deciding to Use Social
Media for Training and Learning

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Blended Learning
Combines online learning, face-to-face instruction, and
other methods for distributing learning content and
instruction
Provides increased learner control
Allows for self-directedness
Requires learners to take more responsibility for their
learning
More face-to-face social interaction
Ensures a dedicated learning environment

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Types of Simulations

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Simulations and Games
Avatars: Computer depictions of humans that are used as:
Imaginary coaches
Coworkers
Customers in simulations

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Simulations and Games
Advantages Disadvantages
• Eliminate need to travel to a • High development costs
central training location • Trainees may not be
• Get trainees involved in comfortable in learning
learning, and are emotionally situations that lack human
engaging contact
• Provide a consistent message of
what needs to be learned
• Put employees in situations that
would be dangerous in the real
world
• Result in positive outcomes as
shorter training times and
increased ROI

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 Virtual Reality
A computer-based technology that provides trainees with
a three-dimensional learning experience
Advantages:
Allows trainees to practice dangerous tasks without putting
themselves or others in danger
More memory available for learning
Disadvantages:
Poor equipment that results in a reduced sense of presence
Poor presence may result in the trainee experiencing
simulator sickness

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Virtual Worlds
Computer-based, simulated online three-dimensional
representations of the real world where learning programs
or experiences can be hosted
Advantages
Imitates an actual workplace without any harm
Provides a place to meet with trainers, managers, or other
employees who can serve as teachers
Disadvantages
Lack of ease of use for first-time users
Potential risk of a difficult keyboard and mouse interface
High investment of time and money
Lack of evidence supporting effectiveness

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Mobile Technology
Consists of:
Wireless transmission systems - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Mobile devices - PDAs, smartphones
Software applications related to processing audio files, word
processing, spreadsheets, Internet, e-mail, and instant
messaging

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Mobile Learning
Training delivered using a mobile device such as a
smartphone, netbook, notebook computer, or iPad
Involves:
Formal learning - Include e-learning courses, podcasts, or
videos on the mobile device
Informal learning - Engaging in communication and
messaging via Twitter, blogs, or Facebook
Apps: Applications designed specifically for smartphones
and tablet computers

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Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS )
 Instructional systems that use artificial intelligence
 Three types of ITS environments:
Tutoring - Increases trainee understanding of a content domain
Coaching - Provides trainees with flexibility to practice skills in
artificial environments
Empowering - Refers to the student’s ability to explore the content of
the training program freely
 Different from other technologies:
Has the ability to match instruction to individual student needs
Can communicate and respond to the student
Can model the trainee’s learning process
Can decide, on basis of a trainee’s previous performance, what
information to provide
Can make decisions about trainee’s level of understanding
Can complete a self-assessment resulting in a modification of its
teaching process 8-33
Components of Intelligent Tutoring Systems

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 Distance Learning
 Involves two types of technology:
Teleconferencing: Synchronous exchange of audio, video,
and/or text between two or more individuals or groups at two or
more locations
Virtual classroom: Using a computer and the Internet to
distribute instructor-led training to geographically dispersed
employees
 Distance Learning: Used by geographically dispersed companies
to provide information about new products, policies, or
procedures, as well as deliver skills training and expert lectures to
field location
Interactive distance learning (IDL): Uses satellite technology
to broadcast programs to different locations and allows trainees
to respond to questions posed during the training program using
a keypad
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
Distance Learning
Advantages
Company saves on travel costs
Allows employees in geographically dispersed sites to
receive training from experts who would not otherwise be
available to visit each location
Disadvantages
Lack of interaction between the trainer and the audience
Technology failures
Unprepared trainers

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Conditions When Training Support
Technologies are Most Needed

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Technologies for Training Support
Expert systems: Technology (usually software) that
organizes and applies the knowledge of human experts to
specific problems
Three elements:
Knowledge base
Decision-making capability
User interface

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Technologies for Training Support
Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSSs):
An electronic infrastructure that captures, stores, and distributes
individual and corporate knowledge assets throughout an
organization
 To enable individuals to achieve required levels of performance in the
fastest possible time and with a minimum of support from other people
The typical EPSS includes:
An assistant to automate tasks and lighten the workload
A librarian to provide task-specific information
A teacher to guide the user through the process step by step
An advisor to provide expert advice

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 Learning Management Systems
A technology platform that can be used to automate the
administration, development, and delivery of all of a
company’s training programs
Features of LMSs

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 Why Develop an LMS?
Important for human capital management
Human capital management: Integrates training with all
aspects of the human resource function to determine how:
 Training dollars are spent
 Training expenses translate into business dollars for the company

Major reasons companies adopt an LMS:

Centralize management of learning activities
Track regulatory compliance
Measure training usage
Measure employee performance

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 Developing an LMS
Senior management needs to be convinced that an LMS
will:
Benefit employees
Improve business functions
Contribute to overall business strategies and goals
The company must have an e-learning culture
The online learning environment needs to be under the
control of the learner

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Comparison
of
Technology-
Based
Training
Methods

8-43
 Choosing New Technology Training Methods
 Advantages of these methods:
Cost savings due to training being accessible to employees at
their home or office
Reduced number of trainers needed
Reduced costs associated with employees traveling to a central
training location (e.g., airfare, food, and lodging)
 Should be considered when:
Sufficient budget and resources are provided
Trainees are geographically dispersed
Trainees are comfortable using technology
It is a part of the company’s business strategy and suits its
culture
Employees have limited or no time for training
Current training methods allow limited time for practice,
feedback, and assessment 8-44