One big advantage for trainees is
flexibility. Trainees do not have to coordinate and arrange their schedules and
workload to accommodate training schedules. It gives trainees the ability to able
to learn when they want to, when it is most convenient for them. Trainees are
able to stay at home or at work to take part in the training.
Another advantage for trainees is
greater control over their learning experience, this is also know as learner control. Learner control refers
to the trainee’s control over the content, sequence and pace of training.
Trainees can enter and leave training as they choose and also can progress at
their own pace. This allows the trainee to be able to work on the tasks as
quickly or as slowly as they want. In some instances it is even possible for the
trainee to have control over the various instructional elements of a program
such as the sequence of instructional material, the content of instruction and
the amount of instruction during training.
Trainees also might feel more
comfortable and less shy doing exercises online. They do not have to feel
embarrassed about their pace or their performance and they do not have to admit
that they might not understand something.
The most beneficial trait of
computer-based learning to the trainee is the convenience. The individual is
free to be able to learn whenever they want to or need to, and to do so from any
location where they have access to a computer. Employees do not have to wait
and sign up for a course to be available; it is there whenever they need it.
During training the employee can pause and continue at a later time. Another
benefit of this is that it decrease the amount of travel time on the employees
part as they can do the training wherever it is most suitable for them.
Disadvantages of Computer-Based
Training – For the Trainee
There is less interpersonal contact
and interaction with other trainees. Individuals also have learning preferences
and styles, and if a trainee prefers to receive training in a classroom with a
trainer and other trainees then computer-based training would be a
disadvantage. Trainees who are not computer literate might also resist the
introduction of the technology.
Advantages of Computer-Based Training –
For the Organization
A major advantage for organizations
is that they can ensure that all trainees receive the same training regardless
of where they are situated. This allows an organization to deliver standardized
and consistent training to a large number of employees across the organization
and even worldwide.
Another advantage is that a large
number of employees can be trained within a short period of time. This is
because there is no limit to the number of employees who can be trained, as
there are no constrictions on such things as instructors or classroom space.
Computer-based training also makes
it possible to track employee’s performance on learning exercises and tests.
This is important when a company is dealing with training programs that are
mandatory and completion, certification, or attaining a certain level of
performance is legally mandated. This allows an employer to be able to provide
proof of training should it be required at a later date.
The greatest advantage to an
organization is the reduction in the cost of training as a result of the
elimination of the cost of travel, training facilities, hotel rooms, meals,
trainers and employee time off work while travelling and attending training. In
addition, the high overhead costs of traditional training make computer-based
training especially advantageous to companies with national or international
employees.
Disadvantages of Computer-Based
Training – For the Organization
One disadvantage could be that some
employees will be uncomfortable with computers and might resist the training.
This could be especially likely for older workers who have less experience
using computers. Another problem that could arise is if the employee does
not have access to a computer, making it difficult to engage in computer-based
training.
The major disadvantage to
organizations is the cost of development, especially for sophisticated
multimedia programs. Although the cost to design and develop computer-based
training is considerably higher than traditional classroom training, once a
program has been developed there is the potential for considerable cost savings
given the elimination of variable costs such as travel, lodging, meals,
materials and instructor’s salaries. The point of cost saving especially comes
into play when there are a large number of employees to be trained and they are
geographically dispersed.
Here
is a video depicting some of the advantages of E-Learning, and many of those
advantages are also true for other forms of Computer-Based Training.
Source
Saks, A. M., & Haccoun R. R. (2011). Managing Performance Through Training and
Development:
Fifth Edition. Nelson Education Press.
No comments:
Post a Comment