Technology and Training

Technology and Training

As our world continues to make technological advances, training and teaching methods continue to evolve and take advantage of those advances.  Sometimes designers get caught up on the latest technological advance and haphazardly apply it to training with little benefit to the learner (Noe, 2010).  The following technologies have an impact on training and can be used successfully with proper thought and integration, although not all are suitable for every learning and training environment and application:  learning management systems, pod casts, groupware, computer /virtual conferencing (WebEx), and haptic displays such as virtual environments.

Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems (LMS) offer many advantages for organization and tracking of a curriculum and training resources.  One such LMS is GeoLearning, recently acquired by SumTotal.  Modern LMS have the ability to allow learners to self-register, book resources such as rooms for training events, track classes needed for certifications or yearly requirements, allow learner feedback and evaluations, and ensure learners have the necessary pre-requisites for a specific class.  Managers can review their department’s training records at a glance or enroll employees in specific classes or sections.  LMS are a great and easy way to track class and curriculum offerings and learner’s progress (Noe, 2010).  Many companies are already using LMS and those that aren’t will make the transition providing they have enough employees to make a sufficient business case. 

Pod Casts

Pod casts, video or audio on demand that can be viewed on computers, mp3 players, and smartphones, is another technological advance in training.  They can be used for self-directed learning and learners who choose to participate in a virtual learning environment.  Learners are able to review the material when it is convenient for them, at 3 a.m., on the train, or any other time of the day or night their schedule permits.  The usefulness of pod casts doesn't just extend to formal education and those seeking self-directed learning opportunities; businesses can also use pod casts as a prerequisite to classes or to deliver lecture material prior to group exercises (Noe, 2010).  When the decision is made to use pod casts, the ID must look at the intended application and audience needs.  Is the purpose information sharing or setting the stage for future activities?  Or are you expecting the learners to be able to perform a physical activity after reviewing the pod cast?  If physical steps are involved in the learning activity, a video pod cast is the best option, while information sharing benefits from an audio or limited graphical display.  An additional benefit to pod casts is the ability to replay and review the material after the class completion.  As time goes on, pod casts, will continue to gain popularity and be used until something better improves the current capabilities.

Groupware

Groupware, encompassing tools such as Microsoft's SharePoint, Wikis, or other external or internal company sites similar to Facebook or LinkedIn, assists self-directed learners (Noe, 2010).  Groupware can be considered as part of social networking, but isn't limited to typical social networking tools.  Many companies have developed their own tools similar to LinkedIn and Facebook, or use a Wiki-based platform to provide information and exchange ideas on a subject.  Groupware, regardless of the type of groupware, promotes on-line collaboration and learning from many types of self-directed learners.  Employees  who are curious about a topic have the ability to reach out and connect with those more experienced.  They are offered opportunities to discuss items in a non-threatening way and also learn about how others within the company have applied the concepts they are learning about.  Equally as important as learning about what worked, employees have a chance to learn what didn't work and adapt and modify their learnings as appropriate.  Groupware offers a chance to share experiences, learn about internal and external training opportunities, and connect with those more experienced who are able to offer advice or encouragement.

Computer/Virtual Conferencing

Tools such as WebEx assist employees through the use of shared desktop screens.  Virtual conferencing tools and software make it easy for virtually located learners or those in geographically dispersed organizations.  Virtual conferencing enables users to see the same desktop, whether it's viewing a presentation or stepping through a database or application.  Unlike pod casts, which are a one-way transmission of data, WebEx in particular, offers some interesting features; private and group chat for use during the presentation, sharing of presentations and desktops between participants, and on-screen annotations.  Users are able to communicate with one another and interact, thereby enhancing the learning experience.  One item to note is that the system you use may require a teleconferencing number for participants to call in to communicate and hear the audio.  Computer conferencing can be useful for applications similar to those used with pod casts.  They can also be helpful when specific steps must be taken, such as those used in computing, a presentation is to be shown to enhance the audio, or if dialog and learner interaction is expected.

Haptic Displays

Haptic displays can be a great a learning tool for areas where safety is concerned or for items that may rarely occur, but need training.  Haptic displays are used in virtual, 3-D environments and incorporate feel within the virtual environment (Ruspini and Khatib, 2001).  One way to think of haptic displays is the vibration you feel when a wrong move is made in the child's game Operation.  In the virtual training environment, tactile senses and forces are applied to the 3-D environment.  Doctors and military personnel could benefit from this type of training method since it uses sensors that apply pressure and force in response to the user's actions.  This type of training method is costly and is not suited for every type of training; specialized equipment and tools are needed like 3-D graphics, glasses, and gloves.  Due to the costs and equipment necessary, instructors and designers want to limit it's application to tasks that may pose safety risks or are hard to learn through traditional learning methods.

Summary

Overall, there are some great technologies that are enhancing learning environments and the way we teach.  Not each technology is well-suited to every type of training, but if thought is given when selecting from the multitude of technologies available, it can be used to enhanced learner training.  Cost and availability of the methods must also be considered when selecting which technologies should be incorporated into the training.

 References

Bersin website.  Retrieved from http://www.bersin.com/blog/post/2011/01/SumTotal-Acquires-GeoLearning--LMS-Market-Consolidation-Continues.aspx

Facebook website.  Retrieved from http://facebook.com

LinkedIn website.  Retrieved from http://linkedin.com

Microsoft Sharepoint.  Retrieved from http://sharepoint.microsoft.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx

Noe, R. A. (2010). Employee training and development (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Ruspini, D. and Khatib, O. (2001), Haptic display for human interaction with virtual dynamic environments. Journal of Robotic Systems, 18: 769–783. doi: 10.1002/rob.8115

WebEx website.  Retrieved from http://webex.com