Effective Training: Systems, Strategies and Practices

Chapter 7Computer-Based Training

Methods

Computer-Based Training Reduces training time Reduces cost of training in long

run –may have high start up costs Instructional consistency Privacy of learning Simulation for hazardous tasks Access to training

Names and Descriptions used for Computer Based Training Approaches – Part 1 of 5

PI Programmed instruction (PI) is used in computer-based programs consisting of text, graphics and perhaps multimedia enhancements.

Material to be learned is grouped into chunks of closely related information. Typically, the trainees are presented with the information in the chunk and then tested on their retention of the information. If they have not retained the material, they are referred back to the original information. If they retained the information they are referred to the next chunk of information to be learned.

PI may be computer-based but is also found in printed material and interactive videos.

Names and Descriptions used for Computer Based Training Approaches – Part 2 of 5

CBT Training provided in part or whole through the use of a computer. Computer-based training is the term most often used in private industry or the government for training employees using computer assisted instruction.

CMI Computer-managed instruction (CMI) uses a computer to manage the administrative functions of training such as registration, record keeping, scoring and grading.

Names and Descriptions used for Computer Based Training Approaches – Part 3 of 5

ICAI Intelligent Computer-assisted Instruction (ICAI) provides some of the primary characteristics of a human tutor. This is a more advanced form of PI. Expert systems are used to run the tutoring aspect of the training, monitoring trainee knowledge within a programmed knowledge model and providing adaptive tutoring based on trainee responses.

ITS Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) make use of artificial intelligence to provide tutoring that is more advanced than ICAI type tutoring. ITS “learns” through trainee responses the best methods of facilitating the trainee’s learning.

Names and Descriptions used for Computer Based Training Approaches – Part 4 of 5

Simulations Computer simulations provide a representation of a real life situation and the tasks to be performed in the situation. The representation can range from identical (e.g., word processing training) to fairly abstract (e.g., conflict resolution). Trainees perform the tasks presented to them by the computer program and the program monitors their performance.

Names and Descriptions used for Computer Based Training Approaches – Part 5 of 5

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is an advanced form of computer simulation, placing the trainee in a simulated environment that is “virtually” the same as the physical environment. This is accomplished by the trainee wearing special equipment such as head gear, gloves, etc. which control what the trainee is able to see, feel, etc. The trainee learns by interacting with objects in the electronic environment to achieve some goal.

PI Example 1. Metals expand when heated. Copper is a metal and

will _____when heated. 2. When heated iron will ______less than copper. 3. Thus different metals will expand by ________ when

heated. 4. The increase in the length is proportional to the

________in temperature. 5. A copper bar expands by 0.2 cm when the

temperature rises by 100 degrees C. It will expand by _____ if the temperature is increased by 200 degrees C.

Programmed instruction for PI. - Part 1 of 4

Learning Stem1. Many people think it is impossible to learn without making a large number of errors. Because trial and error learning is time consuming and creates frustration in the learner, most people don’t like this method. After making many errors, people begin to lose their desire to learn. Many trainers feel that if learning is carefully programmed to occur in a specific manner, people can learn without making a large number of errors.

Questions1.a Learning by making errors until the right response is discovered is called: 1.b What happens to people’s desire to learn when they must use the trial and error method? 1.c When leaning material is prepared so that people make few errors it is said to have been carefully:

InstructionsCompare your answers to these:1.a Trial and error

learning.1.b It decreases1.c Programmed If your answers match those above go on to section 2. If not, reread section 1, paying attention to the italicized concepts. Then answer the questions again.

Programmed instruction for PI. - Part 2 of 4

Learning Stem2. Programmed instruction (PI) operates on the principle that if learning is programmed to occur in small steps, few errors will occur. Another principle of PI is that if trainees are given immediate feedback regarding the appropriateness of their response, they will learn more quickly and complete a greater amount of material.

Questions2.a If the goal is to reduce the number of trainee errors before the material is learned, how should learning be programmed?

2.b To increase the amount learned and the speed of learning, when should feedback be given?

InstructionsCompare your answers to those below:2.a In small steps.2.b Immediately.

If your answers match those above go on to section 3. If not, reread section 2, paying attention to the italicized concepts. Then answer the questions again.

Programmed instruction for PI. - Part 3 of 4

Learning Stem3. Trainee learning is enhanced if the trainee is active in the learning process. PI asks trainees to respond to questions putting the trainee in an active learning mode. Because trainees learn at different rates, they learn best if they can move through the material at their own pace. PI allows people to learn at their own pace. Finally, frequent review of material helps trainees retain the material for longer periods of time.

Questions3.a Programming questions into the material enhances learning because it places trainees into a(n) ________ mode of learning.

3.b At what pace should trainees move through the material?

3.c Frequent review of material results in:

InstructionsCompare your answers to these:3.a Active.3.b Their own pace.3.c Longer retention

of material.

If your answers match those above go on to section 4. If not, re-read section 3, paying attention to the italicized concepts. Then answer the questions again.

Programmed instruction for PI. - Part 4 of 4

Learning Stem4. In summary, PI allowstrainees to learn more material,quicker, and retain it longer withless frustration by: a) programming small

learning steps resulting in fewer response errors,

b) requiring frequent active responses by the trainees,

c) providing immediate feedback ,

d) allowing trainees to move through the material

at their own pace ande) frequently reviewing the

material.

Questions4.a What are five principles that PI uses to improve the ease, amount, speed and retention of learning?

InstructionsCompare your answers to these:4.a 1) Small learning steps, 2) frequent and active trainee response c) immediate feedback, d) self-paced learning and e) frequent review

If your answers match those above you have completed the section on PI successfully. If not, review section 4 and answer questions.

Strengths and Limitations of CBT Methods

Costs Control of Material and Process Learning Objectives Learning Process

Attention Retention – symbolic coding and

rehearsal Behavioral Reproduction