Effective Training: Systems,
Strategies and Practices
Chapter 7
Computer-Based Training Methods
Computer-Based Training
Reduces training time
 Reduces cost of training in long run –
may have high start up costs
 Instructional consistency
 Privacy of learning
 Simulation for hazardous tasks
 Access to training

Names and Descriptions used for
Computer Based Training
Approaches – Part 1 of 5
PI
Programmed instruction (PI) is used in computer-based
programs consisting of text, graphics and perhaps multimedia
enhancements.
Material to be learned is grouped into chunks of closely related
information. Typically, the trainees are presented with the
information in the chunk and then tested on their retention of the
information. If they have not retained the material, they are
referred back to the original information. If they retained the
information they are referred to the next chunk of information to
be learned.
PI may be computer-based but is also found in printed material
and interactive videos.
Names and Descriptions used for
Computer Based Training
Approaches – Part 2 of 5
CBT
Training provided in part or whole through the use of a
computer. Computer-based training is the term most
often used in private industry or the government for
training employees using computer assisted instruction.
CMI
Computer-managed instruction (CMI) uses a computer to
manage the administrative functions of training such as
registration, record keeping, scoring and grading.
Names and Descriptions used for
Computer Based Training
Approaches – Part 3 of 5
ICAI
Intelligent Computer-assisted Instruction (ICAI) provides some
of the primary characteristics of a human tutor. This is a more
advanced form of PI. Expert systems are used to run the
tutoring aspect of the training, monitoring trainee knowledge
within a programmed knowledge model and providing adaptive
tutoring based on trainee responses.
ITS
Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) make use of artificial
intelligence to provide tutoring that is more advanced than
ICAI type tutoring. ITS “learns” through trainee responses
the best methods of facilitating the trainee’s learning.
Names and Descriptions used for
Computer Based Training
Approaches – Part 4 of 5
Simulations
Computer simulations provide a representation of a
real life situation and the tasks to be performed in the
situation. The representation can range from identical
(e.g., word processing training) to fairly abstract (e.g.,
conflict resolution). Trainees perform the tasks
presented to them by the computer program and the
program monitors their performance.
Names and Descriptions used for
Computer Based Training
Approaches – Part 5 of 5
Virtual
Reality
Virtual Reality is an advanced form of computer
simulation, placing the trainee in a simulated
environment that is “virtually” the same as the
physical environment. This is accomplished by the
trainee wearing special equipment such as head
gear, gloves, etc. which control what the trainee is
able to see, feel, etc. The trainee learns by interacting
with objects in the electronic environment to achieve
some goal.
PI Example

1. Metals expand when heated. Copper is a metal and will
_____when heated.

2. When heated iron will ______less than copper.

3. Thus different metals will expand by ________ when heated.


4. The increase in the length is proportional to the ________in
temperature.
5. A copper bar expands by 0.2 cm when the temperature rises
by 100 degrees C. It will expand by _____ if the temperature is
increased by 200 degrees C.
Programmed instruction for PI.
- Part 1 of 4
Learning Stem
1. Many people think it is
impossible to learn without
making a large number of errors.
Because trial and error learning
is time consuming and creates
frustration in the learner, most
people don’t like this method.
After making many errors, people
begin to lose their desire to learn.
Many trainers feel that if learning
is carefully programmed to occur
in a specific manner, people can
learn without making a large
number of errors.
Questions
1.a Learning by
making errors until
the right response is
discovered is called:
1.b What happens
to people’s desire to
learn when they must
use the trial and error
method?
1.c When leaning
material is prepared
so that people make
few errors it is said to
have been carefully:
Instructions
Compare your
answers to these:
1.a Trial and error
learning.
1.b It decreases
1.c Programmed
If your answers
match those above
go on to section 2.
If not, reread section
1, paying attention
to the italicized
concepts. Then
answer the
questions again.
Programmed instruction for PI.
- Part 2 of 4
Learning Stem
Questions
Instructions
2. Programmed instruction (PI)
operates on the principle that if
learning is programmed to occur
in small steps, few errors will
occur. Another principle of PI is
that if trainees are given
immediate feedback regarding
the appropriateness of their
response, they will learn more
quickly and complete a greater
amount of material.
2.a If the goal is to
Compare your
reduce the number of answers to those
trainee errors before
below:
the material is learned, 2.a In small steps.
how should learning
2.b Immediately.
be programmed?
If your answers
match those above
2.b To increase the
go on to section 3.
amount learned and
the speed of learning, If not, reread section
when should feedback 2, paying attention
to the italicized
be given?
concepts. Then
answer the
questions again.
Programmed instruction for PI.
- Part 3 of 4
Learning Stem
Questions
Instructions
3. Trainee learning is enhanced
if the trainee is active in the
learning process. PI asks
trainees to respond to questions
putting the trainee in an active
learning mode. Because
trainees learn at different rates,
they learn best if they can move
through the material at their own
pace. PI allows people to learn
at their own pace. Finally,
frequent review of material helps
trainees retain the material for
longer periods of time.
3.a Programming
questions into the
material enhances
learning because it
places trainees into
a(n) ________ mode
of learning.
Compare your
answers to these:
3.a Active.
3.b Their own pace.
3.c Longer retention
of material.
3.b At what pace
should trainees move
through the material?
3.c Frequent review
of material results in:
If your answers match
those above go on to
section 4. If not, reread section 3, paying
attention to the
italicized concepts.
Then answer the
questions again.
Programmed instruction for PI.
- Part 4 of 4
Learning Stem
Questions
Instructions
4.
In summary, PI allows
trainees to learn more material,
quicker, and retain it longer with
less frustration by:
a)
programming small
learning steps resulting in
fewer response errors,
b) requiring frequent active
responses by the trainees,
c)
providing immediate
feedback ,
d) allowing trainees to move
through the material at
their own pace and
e) frequently reviewing the
material.
4.a What are five
principles that PI uses
to improve the ease,
amount, speed and
retention of learning?
Compare your answers
to these:
4.a 1) Small learning
steps, 2) frequent and
active trainee response
c) immediate feedback,
d) self-paced learning
and e) frequent review
If your answers match
those above you have
completed the section
on PI successfully. If
not, review section 4
and answer questions.
Strengths and Limitations of
CBT Methods
Costs
 Control of Material and Process
 Learning Objectives
 Learning Process

Attention
 Retention – symbolic coding and rehearsal
 Behavioral Reproduction
