Computer-based training in higher education and military settings

Computer-Based Training in Higher Learning, Post-Secondary Education and Military Training

Computer-Based Training is a growing trend that is becoming a phenomenon in a number of fields, such as higher education or military training. A plethora of businesses are taking part in this opportunity to let others know how effective or ineffective this method is for the students and teachers who take part in it on a regular basis. Through studying this topic, an individual is able to grasp how it has impacted society in all industries, especially with instruction. This paper uses a number of journals found from EbscoHost and many others. One will provide an overview, issues, trends, research and a summary of what is going on today with this particular topic.

Overview

A variety of dimensions are covered when it comes to education as well as training. Through this opportunity, objectives are met for the learner. Additional roles do occur, such as "promoting and facilitating enrollment into courses, availing the syllabus or program of instruction, posting and submitting assignments, email between instructors and fellow students…" (Wisher & Olson, 2003, p. 5).

The Internet is a tool that is considered quite powerful. This is especially true if it is done at a distance and the flexiblity that comes with it. These range from administering the course to teaching fully online (Wisher & Olson, 2003). A variety of "levels of use" are used as a means in which to achieve a certain goal (Wisher & Olson, 2003). One would have to recgonize them when evaluating the use of the Web, but are crucial in making sure that they are meeting the needs of students in any location in the world (Wisher & Olson, 2003).

When it comes to the factors, these are crucial when it comes to the learning environment (Wisher & Olson, 2003). Kahn mentioned at least eight dimensions that are worth disucssing. These include "pedagogical, technological, interface design, evaluation, management, resource support, ethical, and institutioanl" (Wisher & Olson, 2003, p.6). These are useful in a micro and macro way to supplement the classroom setting. At the micro level, this includes that of evaluation and design as well as technical reliability; however, at the macro level, one has to note that of programs that are done completely on the Internet, which does consist of those that are virtual universities (Wisher & Olson, 2003).

The implementation process is at its early stages. Regardless, a variety of institutions do take part in it, such as those that are educational, private, government or military based. As of 1999, at least 82% of those that are higher education institutions had the intention of increasing courses that are provided through their college or university through the Internet (Wisher & Olson, 2003). Not only that, but also in 2003, $11.4 billion is spent online for those who want to do training (Wisher & Olson, 2003). This does include 30% of those that do corporate education online (Wisher & Olson, 2003).

Issues

Many issues are worth noting when it comes to computer-based training. "These include the appropriateness of pedagogical practices and the bandwidth bottleneck for certain learner requests" (Wisher & Olson, 2003, p.6). When it comes to the perspective of the evaluation, one has to note that media comparisons does occur. This does include the historical findings on the effectiveness of those that are considered conventional. One has to pay attention also to the Web capabilities, especially if someone is tapping into them, and these are considered as a part of the findings that go with conventional computer-based learning (CBL) (Wisher & Olson, 2003).

Here are some more insights on the problems that go with computer-based training. A handful of employees are interested in wanting to do e-learning in their own home at their own convenience. Since people are busy, they are usually not motivated to do training at a private location with little support. Not only that, but also many would prefer to get paid during this entire process. Furthermore, individuals need much skill as well as experience to make this possible. Because of this, the training is considered quite expensive. Many could find it to become considered a waste of their time; consequently, the dropout rate is high. Since learning is considered a social activity, a select few will find it boring, which makes them not want to do the work. As a result, 10% of people utilize this method of learning (Information Design, Inc., 2004).

At least four areas are used when it comes to web-based training that can become difficult. The first is that of "leader-led or facilitated online learning" (Information Design, Inc., 2004, p.3). The instructor provides the support to the learner, and it is done at the university level. One needs to describe the disadvantages with this particular method. Someone has to remain online at all hours of the day and night. A certain kind of software package or license is required to make this possible. The ratio is not always consistent with the students and instructor for each course (Information Design, Inc., 2004).

Another area is that of "self-paced, web-based learning" (Information Design, Inc., 2004, p. 4). No instructor is needed for this kind of training, and the training is structured with formal lessons that are small. These include a series of objectives, activities and so forth. Some advantages are worth mentioning. The biggest is that the completion rate is low. Not only that, but also the fact that it can take between 40-60 hours to put together for the student. A person cannot interact with other classmates. Nothing is hands on for the activities because a lot of it is memeorization and mentally-based. If there is not system in place to track student performance, then there is no means in which to know if someone learned the information provided (Information Design, Inc., 2004).

One needs to consider online tutorials. Most of the time these consist of online documents that are avaialble online or in print, and are in PDF format. A person will have a lack of interaction as well as feedback, which could lead to no extrinsic motivation through this entire process (Information Design, Inc., 2004). "Online tutorials have a ver low usage and completion rate. Learners find online tutorials hard to find, hard to print, and difficult to follow" (Information Design, Inc., 2004, p.5).

The last area is that of "web-based electronic performance support systems (EPSS)" (Information Design, Inc., 2004, p.5). This is considered a short instruction that is available immediately for the student. A lot of it consists of showing more so than telling the individual how to do a specific task. The disdavantages are that learners do not get to interact with each other, and the rates of using it as well as completion are quite low. With the studies conducted over the years, people who does not understand the information will "ask, phone, try to figure it out themselves or read the manual" (Information Design, Inc., 2004, p.5).

Despite the difficulties that go into computer-based learning, one has to consider that injuries could arise from repetitive activities. A person could expereince strains and sprains because of the overuse of the tendons from typing. This is because of how the keyboard is used for typing, and the proper posture needed in order to preven injuries from occuring. An individual would have difficulty of meeting the necessary demands set forth because of having to modify his or her own activities through this entire process. For example, someone may not have the capabilities of lifting, gripping or typing anything because of the pain and swelling one expereinces on a regular basis; consequently, the employer will lose a plethora of money becauseo of having an employee who is incapacitated (Wilcox, 1989).

Trends

Many trends are worth considering when it comes to computer-based training. "Computers have been used for training purposes since the early 1960's; however, due to their versatility, a general trend has been established recently toward their use of delivery of instruction" (Williams & Zahed, 1996, p. 1). Computer-based training is cost-effective and becoming sophisticated as the years progress. They are easy to use, which makes it easy for a person to learn effectively on them. Through this, the training is more effective as well as efficient, and this makes the time reduced for an individual by 25-30%, despite the traditional classroom that has occurred over the years. Since active participation is required, the retention of the information is high from the subject-matter presented (Williams & Zahed, 1996).

The FAA has now joined this new fad as of May 1997. They use computers for training their pilots through specialized software and additional equipment to make this possible (United States Gernal Accounting Office, 1999). Additionally, "separate radios and navigational controls to the right of the computer monitor, a throttle, a steering yoke under the computer screen, and rudder pedals" (United States Gernal Accounting Office, 1999, p.5). This cost the FAA between $5,000-$10,000. Furthermore, a recently approved device used for training cost them as much as $40,000-$90,000. The instructor does sit with the student when he or she is training with the devices the FAA approves for the educational computer training. Sometimes a separate computer is used during this process, but the teacher is able to monitor and control the student's flight as well as plan out every detail for him or her at that particular time (United States Gernal Accounting Office, 1999).

For those that are educators, they too have noticed trends with computer-based training. The convenience of learning on the Web has stretched all the possible barriers that occur locally and globally. When it comes to distance learning, the Internet is used to deliver material to the learner, such as Word documents or PowerPoints. However, in other online environments, this is provided through hypertext, which allows the learner more opportunities to explore the information provided as well as to have much interactivity (Khalifa & Lam, 2002).

Summary

Computer-based technology has shaped the way everyone lives in society today. People are able to use it for training purposes in every industry, especially that of military, higher education and the government. Not enough research is done on the effectivness of this topic because this is considered quite subjective. At least this is from those that have conducted the studies needed to find out how well the computer has helped or hindered employees in the workplace setting (Kulik & Kulik, 1991). "To reach general conclusions reviewers must take into account the results from numerous studies carried out in different places" (Kulik & Kulik, 1991, p.8).

In fact, many evaluators have conducted many studies on whether or not these computer-based trainings actually do work. They can have many benefits that are produced from it. "It would be pointless to judge all CBI programs by a single outcome study as it would be to judge all textbooks, lectures, or films by a single comparison" (Kulik & Kulik, 1991, p.8). According to the reviews, the outcomes is generally positive. This is because the effectiveness is indicated by the teaching, which does manage to save the student much needed time. Furthermore, many of the learners were able to master the material, and that at least 94% favored this procedure (Kulik & Kulik, 1991).

A number of issues are worth mentioning. For example, an individal could risk having sprains and strains from the repetitive use of the computer use, and this could cost his or her employer much because of it (Wilcox, 1989). Not only that, but also the fact that people will have less interaction depending on the type of programs one is using at that time for their training, such as tutorial or self-paced (Williams & Zahed, 1996). These can hinder how much someone is motivated to stick with the program for their educational endeavors. Regardless, people may not finish what was started tu to the lack of interaction with others (Poe, 2007).

The trends show that computer software has taken away from the learning aspect of computer-based training. At least 10% are interested in this particular pedagogy, but the majority prefer the traditional approach (Information Design, Inc., 2004). However, the majority of professions are taking part in this opportunity to train their employees, especially those that are military-based, government, private and public (Bowman, Crawford, & Mehay, 2009). People are interested in learning how to get better at computers, and the necessary skills needed to transfer their knowledge from one location to another within and outside of a given company (Williams & Zahed, 1996).