subject: Benefits Of Web Based Training [print this page] Web-based training is becoming very popular nowadays as it is self-paced, results in better retention rates, is highly interactive and is more cost effective as compared to traditional instructor-led training.
Limitations of traditional instructor-led training:
Instructor-led training is more expensive as it includes travel, lodging, and meals costs for all the employees undertaking the training. This type of training may not always be tailored to the employer's specific needs.
Training methods and efforts have to be duplicated in order to reach a dispersed group of trainees. Usually the employees' personal and work schedules leave very little time for such training. Product redesign and technological changes are not always updated as quickly as they should be for effective training.
Advantages of Web Based Training:
Though instructor-led training has the advantage of human interaction which is a very important aspect of learning, it has a lot of drawbacks that can be easily covered by Web based training.
Easy access:
Web-based training can replace 100 percent of video, classroom, text-based and audio training. It is available on-demand on any web browser, anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection. Not only this, live interaction between a student and the teacher is also possible if both are using the internet at the same time.
Easily updatable and cost effective:
Web-based training provides product training and education in the time increments required by the employee or the customer. The material for this training is easily and instantly updateable without the need of republishing CD ROMs, manuals, videos, books and tapes. It is relatively inexpensive as most people have a computer and internet connection nowadays (according to Nielsen Online, 75% of U.S. adults have a computer and an internet connection). This training not only cuts down on travel costs, employees dont have to stop their work for hours or days at a time for training seminars.
Self-paced and customizable:
Web-based training is customizable. By answering few questions, you can view lessons, tests and examples customized to your own needs. This training is self-paced. You can go through the lessons at your own pace without the stress of competing with faster or slower classmates. You may even repeat a lesson till you understand it fully.
Provides quick feedback:
Web-based training provides instant feedback. You can know instantly if you answered a question correctly or not rather than wait for days to get the results. This saves you a lot of time to correct your mistakes and improve your knowledge.
