Training courses may be conducted in a traditional setting, Computer based training (CBT), or Web-Based Training (WBT). Traditional settings are physical classrooms with a trainer that is present. Computer based training (CBT) occurs on a computer that is in a monitored setting. Web based training (WBT) is online training. Web based training utilizes cloud-based computing tools for access, administration, delivery and analytics. It is often referred to as e-learning or distance learning. E-learning is now the most popular form due to its convenience, cost effectiveness, and flexibility.
Web based training (WBT) enables businesses and organizations to retrain their employees cost effectively. The e-learning courses do not conflict with the employee’s work schedule due to their flexibility. In the United States, 77% of companies and organizations use e-learning to retrain their employees. (1) Gallup reports that “companies with engaged employees outperform others by as much as 202%!” (2) Research and Markets believe that by 2025 the total global e-learning market will reach a value of $325 billion. (3)
There are three main types of Web based training (WBT).
- Synchronous web-based training
- The training is instructor led.
- The training can be delivered to more than one student in different locations.
- Real time interactions between instructor and students occur.
- Asynchronous web-based training
- Training is self-paced and done at students’ convenience.
- The content is purely digital.
- Students train independently in different places.
- Blended web-based training
- Combines the elements of both Synchronous and Asynchronous web-based training.
- The training is instructor led in some modules and self-paced in others.
- Students train independently in different places. (4)
Web-based training saves in travel costs that normally would be spent to transport employees to a training location. Most onboarding is done via online. There is relatively little training in a traditional classroom environment unless hands-on is needed. Several certification tests are conducted in a web-based training environment also. As you consider your options, develop the one best for your company in successfully training your employees.
References:
- V, Jasmini. (2017, August 17). Online Learning Statistics and Trends. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/online-learning-statistics-and-trends.
- VerBurg, Steve. (2018). Should I Invest in Employee Engagement? Retrieved from https://ocdalecarnegie.com/should-i-invest-in-employee-engagement.
- Pappas, Christopher. (2019, September 24). Top 20 eLearning Statistics For 2019 You Need To Know [Infographic]. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/top-elearning-statistics-2019.
- Mansaray, Sydney. (2019, November 11). Web-Based Training for Employees: What, Why, and How? Retrieved from https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/web-based-training.
