Computer Based Training Provides Active Learning

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Although it’s become much less common than when CBT was new, occasional technical difficulties still happen. It can be really frustrating when you’re sitting down, all psyched up to learn, and your computer speakers remain silent or the screen freezes up. This particular problem can be largely avoided with a little advance planning. Stick to established CBT vendors and take care to determine system requirements in advance and make sure your setup meets or exceeds them.

Knowledge Focused or Task-Oriented

CBT courses typically falls into one of two categories: knowledge-focused or task-oriented. Task oriented programs walk you step-by-step through particular procedures. Often they will include screen shots or even simulations of the environment you are studying. You'll be instructed on how to complete a particular task, and then the quizzed on what you have learned, or asked to repeat the steps yourself using a simulated interface. CBT programs that include simulations are especially useful as they make it possible to practice in environment that mimics the real one, without having to go to the expense of purchasing and installing it, or assuming the risk of practicing on someone else's live system. The majority of CBT programs are task oriented.

Knowledge-focused CBTs work a bit differently. Instead of being presented the specific steps needed to perform individual tasks, you'll face a more open-ended environment. Programs in this category rarely include interface simulations, but rather focus on the what and why instead of how. They are primarily used to convey theory and background knowledge if a specific technology. For example, a knowledge-focused course is more likely to cover a topic like client/server computing rather than the ins and outs of a particular operating system. Learning Tree International makes impressive use of this style for some of its courses.

Do the Demos

The prices of CBT programs vary widely. They’re influenced by the complexity and depth of the material covered, popularity of the subject matter, and degree of development that went into creating the product. For example, a seven course complete A+ curriculum from NETg runs $499.65 when purchased online. ComputerPrep sells a single Network+ course on CD-ROM, geared for experienced networking professionals , for $100. So you’re going to have to shop with care to get the right materials for you, at a good price.

The best way to shop for CBT is online. That’s because most CBT vendors have demos available for you to sample, freely accessible from the vendor’s Web site. Take the time to try some of them out, even if the vendor comes recommended by a colleague. Start by assessing the interface. Watch out for CBT that is just blocks of text on the screen—programs like this are not making good use of available technology and will be less valuable learning tools. Does it make you click after every sentence or proceed forward automatically with minimal intervention from you? Can you jump forward and backward through the lessons as needed? Does it remember where you left off and restart there automatically?

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