eLearning

What is Web-Based Training

"Web-based training (WBT) is an innovative approach to distance learning in which computer-based training (CBT) is transformed by the technologies and methodologies of the World Wide Web, the Internet, and intranets. " Tim Kilby

Learning Management System (LMS)

ASTech's Web based training approach i.e. ASTech's developed Content/Learning Management Systems (LMS) will be described in the following:

Live Lecture over Internet/Intranet

In this setting, the instructor again leads the class, and dictates its progress through the material, but as they are collaborating through the internet/intraweb, in this setting the students do not have to be in the same room; in all likelihood, they will be located elsewhere.

• Pro: No need for everyone to meet face-to-face; lower travel costs in terms of both money and time.
• Pro: Required classroom facilities (and associated costs) are much reduced.
• Con: All students require access to an internet-connected computer - this may make this system expensive
• Con: All participants must be "on-line" at the same time to benefit from the avialable instruction

Instructor-Led CBT in Training Suite

In this scenario, an instructor is present in the room with the students, but his/her role is mainly supervisory; the students are each studying at their own pace, but the instructor is on-hand to deal with any complications or comprehension difficulties.

• Pro: Instructor available immediately to deal with queries from students
• Pro: Students can try out interactive content elements themselves
• Con: As the instructor sets the pace of progress through the content, students may find it difficult to keep up
• Con: Difficulties and costs associated with having the class gather in the same room(s).
• Con: Each student requires a network-connected PC at their disposal; the fixed costs of implementing such a system are larger as a result.

Collaborative Simulations

In this instance, the training is carried out by example. Rather than perusing course notes, the students are involved in a simulated training exercise that tests their knowledge of the procedures or skills they are being trained in.

• Pro: Students are forced to think and work together - encourages teambuilding skills
• Pro: Students get an impression about the speed and certainty with which decisions must be made
• Pro: As the exercise is simulated, the cost of any errors made during the exercise is close to zero, and the personal safety of the trainees is assured. This is often far from the case in "on-the-job" training.
• Con: Training in simulated environments is rarely a completely adequate replacement for the real-life tasks.

Distance Education

Distance Education represents a significant departure from normal training methods; while in all of the other scenarios we have presented, an instructor is present, it's likely that this will not be the case in a distance education environment. As distance education has always targetted individuals who cannot attend a training facility during office hours, much of the learning gained from distance ed. has been outside of working hours, in the early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

• Pro: Because the content is prepared in advance, the student can train at any time that suits them
• Pro: Instructors can handle queries by e-mail, bulletin board or even an audio/videoconferencing link
• Con: As students will be studying at irregular hours, for varying durations, perceived progress can be uneven
• Con: There may be a significant time delay during discussions or questions as the people conversing are often not doing so in "real time". This can be alleviated somewhat by scheduling "class" times occasionally so that everyone can discuss a given topic, for example.

• LMS- Benefits:

• Increased training effectiveness
• Trainee controls pace/sequencing.
• Reduced student time in training.
• Immediate feedback.
• Reduced instructor/staff requirements.
• Standardised instruction.
• Increased trainee participation/interest.
• Tracking of trainee performance.
• Low cost platforms (PC with browser).
• Ease in content update and delivery