Which Training Method

Research shows that the most popular form of teaching is that of classroom and tutor, a method that can be both expensive and time consuming. Yet there are many other forms of teaching that may be more suited to your company and employees. These are:

  1. Blended learning
  2. Computer based learning
  3. In-process learning.

Choosing the correct method is dependant on many factors, including: the topic and content of the course, the skill level of the learner, the number of learners, how quickly your company needs the new skill and the available budget. This article will discuss the three alternative methods outlined above that will help you to make an informed decision in which method is best for you.

Computer Based Learning

The term Computer Based Learning of ‘CBL’ is most often used when students learn in a classroom with a tutor available. The term Computer Based Training (CBT) is then used to describe individual, independant learning. For this report the use of CBT will represent both meanings.

With Computer Based Training the course material is presented to the learner via a computer or other electronic device such as a PDA of iPhone. The main advantage of CBT is that it is self paced, meaning the learner can follow the syllabus at their own speed and can work on their course material at times to suit their own circumstances. CBT is the fastest growing sector for the delivery of vocational training as it brings your company a fast and cost effective method of training. There are millions of ready made CBT courses already available that cover almost every topic.

Blended Learning

Blend learning uses a combination of Computer Based Training and tutor led training. This is a very useful method of learning for your staff that may not be completely confident in using a computer. Blended learning is often used to introduce the learners to a new subject, then, when they have the confidence, the learners can continue the course individually using computer based learning. Another effective use of Blended Learning is for the tutor to use a computer based training course for the syllabus and course material, and then help the learners through each module with an additional explanation at each step.

In-Process Training

This is a method of delivering the required training material to your staff at the time they need it. The employee is given instructions, help and guidance directly to their computer as they execute the tasks that make up their work. This training could be in the form of help text, instructional videos, prompts or multi-choice options when they enter data. This type of training overcomes the problem of learners forgetting or not understanding the course content. As the training is delivered in small pieces at the time when it is needed and relevant to task they are performing, the course content can be easily understood. The In-Process Learning System can track the users output to make sure they have changed their work patterns to reflect the lessons they have just learned.

Whatever your training needs may be it is vital that you select the most appropriate delivery methods to meet your budget and business objectives.