High Tech Training- Does it have a future?

There are many technology tools available to trainers today to use in their design of instruction. Each potential tool having a purpose for use that is connected to the stated objectives of the training and the overall goals of the organization. Technology should never be utilized for the sole objective of "using the latest and greatest" in a learning environment. Technology is one of many tools to consider when designing a training session.

New Technologies:

So what new technologies are out there in the toolkit and when should they be utilized with purpose?

LMS- Learning Management System

“Can provide employees, managers, and trainers with the ability to manage, deliver, and track learning activities” (Noe, 2013). 

• Helps reduce travel

• Reduces the amount of time to complete a program

• Makes content more accessible to learners

• Can include discussion boards for collaboration with peers on new content

• Depending on the objectives of the training, utilizing an LMS can bring together various levels within the organization into one focus and interact with each other and content

New LMS companies are always popping up and pitching why their LMS is the way to go. Depending on the goals of the organization will depend on the type of LMS to be chosen. A public education organization is not looking for the same components as a private sector company such as Capital One.

SAMPLE LMS: http://www.itslearning.net/

Web-based Training Using a Blog

“Training delivered using a computer or the web” (Noe, 2013)

“A webpage where an author posts entries and readers can comment” (Noe, 2013)

• Utilizing a blog to provide web-based training reduces cost since a blog can be created for free on many sites, like this one.

• Creates an interactive communication space for users to share content and learning

• Quick access to new content and ability to utilize the site as a resource in the future for refreshers.

• Communicates directions, processes and can hold written content as well as videos and images

I utilized a blog using word press to train 47 elementary school (all teachers) on their new and first ever online gradebook. Additionally, I use the site to communicate with parents on various processes and directions for them. My team also responds to parent questions and comments as needed. Web-based training reaches beyond land and time zones to collaborate and share key information.

SAMPLE: http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/integrateddatasystems/specialtycenter/applicant-process-parent-overview/ (Banholzer, 2015)

Mobile Learning

“Delivery of training through handheld mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet computers” (Noe, 2013)

• Includes both formal and informal learning

• Provides the flexibility to attend webinars, conference calls, or access other learning content from anywhere

• Ability to respond to stakeholders in a quicker timeframe

Americans are on the move constantly. Access to learning through a mobile device provides the flexibility, quickness and concise content that professional’s desire. In the IBM and Columbia University study of 2009 research identified 6 key areas to design effective mobile learning:

1. Only include critical information

2. Be web-based

3. Contain 3 screens or less to access

4. Arrange content in chunks

5. Layout readability for minimal clicks and scrolling

6. Minimal images so that download is not affected

(Ahmad, 2010)

Chat Rooms or Discussion Boards

“An electronic room or discussion board where learners communicate”. This may occur synchronously or asynchronously (Noe, 2013).

• Brings learners together to share struggles and understanding of content together from many backgrounds to learn from one another

• The trainer is more of a facilitator of learning to be sure objectives are met

• Colleagues can share true experiences with one another and collaborate on issues, problem solve, and future plans, processes or implementations

SAMPLE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj5HPtYMqtA (Culpechina, 2015)

Web 2.0 applications

“…proven to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing before, during and after courses (training)” (J, 2009)

• Essential part of every aspect of work in every industry

• Facilitate collaboration among colleagues

• Promote reflective learning

• Reinforce learned knowledge from training sessions

• All about staying connected (J, 2009)

Technology tools will continue to evolve and attempt to meet the needs of learners. The young people of today are focused on quick accessibility, instantaneous feedback, flexibility and interactivity (Stolovitch, 2011). We see this with the rise of gaming systems and the plethora of mobile devices that engage us daily. There will always be a latest and greatest. The utilization of that tool needs to fit the situation, the learner and the content objectives.

Resources

Ahmad, N. &. (2010). Smartphones make IBM smarter, but not as expected. Training and Development, 46-50.

Banholzer, M. a. (2015, August). Specialty Center Parents. Retrieved from HCPS Blogs: http://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/integrateddatasystems/specialty-center/applicant-process-parent-overview/

Culpechina, G. (2015, June). Effective Discussion Prompts for Online Discussion Boards. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj5HPtYMqtA

J, S. (2009, October). Effective use of Technology in training. Retrieved from BCA.org: http://www.bcs.org/content/conWebDoc/32836

Noe, R. (2013). Employee training and development (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Stolovitch, H. &. (2011). Telling ain't training. Alexandria, VA: ASTD Press.