Computer Based Training Reduces Cost and Enhances Effectiveness of Training in a Great Way

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Computer Based Training reduces cost and enhances effectiveness of training in a great way. One of the important ways in which an enterprise can manage knowledge is by disseminating it in the form of training. Yet all too often, the potential costs of training loom so large that organizations decide to try to get by with informal, on the job training or even less. In the long run, that decision can cost money. Employees take longer to reach productive levels, and they may make errors that are expensive to correct. Various forms of computer-based training have gained popularity over the years because they can reduce costs, increase flexibility, reduce learning time and improve retention of knowledge. Those alternatives to traditional classroom training include products that run on local or network hard drives, CD-ROMs, Web-based training and instructor-led distance learning. Electronic training techniques still account for only 20% of instructional time, but that is double the percentage a year ago and headed up to 50% within the next couple of years. The cost reductions generally result from reduced travel expenses for the students and instructors, and reduced salary costs for instructors. In addition, after the development is completed, the incremental costs for adding students are low, making electronic training particularly cost-effective for larger groups. Flexibility comes from being able to learn in various locations and (except for instructor-led distance learning) at user-determined times. Learning time goes down because the student can move quickly through familiar material, rather than being constrained by the pace of other students. Also, the material is usually presented more concisely in a CBT format. Finally, retention is increased because computer-based training products are often highly interactive, which
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