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TfT Briefing No 2
http://www.tft.co.uk/
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Introduction
This Briefing has commissioned by Technology for Training intended mainly for an organisation
considering using technology-based training for the first time. Its aims are to:
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provide an introduction to the use of technology in training
outline some of the issues which you will need to consider
direct you to further sources of information including other Briefings in this series.
References to other TfT Briefings are given in brackets throughout the text; a full list of TfT Briefings is
available on a separate sheet.
What does ‘technology for training’ cover?
The term ‘technology for training’ includes a range of technologies and of uses.
The technologies include:
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computer and multimedia software
the Internet and company Intranets (Briefings 17, 25, 26, 27), including their use for computer
conferencing
other IT networks
video and audio tapes
television and radio broadcasting
telecommunications
satellite communications
videoconferencing (Briefing No 22)
virtual reality (Briefing No 23)
smart cards.
The uses include:
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identifying and recording training needs (eg through interactive questionnaires or tests)
delivery of learning (eg through computer- based training packages and simulations, video/audio or
multimedia)
supporting learners, especially those at remote sites (eg through e-mail or video/computer
conferencing)
assessment, through computer-delivered tests of knowledge or skill (TfT Briefings 12 and 28) or
through simulations. (Briefing No 11).
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recording and tracking both learning and assessment, eg by tracking learner achievement against
NVQ units and elements (Briefing No 12).
What are the benefits?
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The benefits vary with the application, but can include:
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greater
and saving of time (eg from computerised tracking systems)
better student
enhanced and more
learning.
Technology-based training
‘Technology-based training’ (TBT), which is the largest single application of technology in training, is the
delivery of learning through computer-based training or multimedia, typically as self-paced open
learning.
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What are the pros and cons?
TBT offers all the advantages of other forms of flexible and open learning, including:
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consistent presentation of
the flexibility for the learner to work at his/her own
the opportunity for the learner to study at a convenient place and
The advantages of TBT over paper-based open learning include:
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interactivity, which can improve motivation and retention
immediate feedback to questions and practice exercises
the greater realism which results from including graphics, photographs, sound and moving images
and from simulations.
The disadvantages of TBT compared to paper-based open learning include:
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specialist equipment and a power supply are needed
it is not easily portable
learning material is more costly to prepare.
The relative costs of technology-based and paper-based open learning depend upon a number of
factors. In general, TBT has higher origination costs (particularly important if you are producing your
own), lower production and packaging costs and higher delivery costs. Costs of technology based
training may compare very favourably with those for tutor-led courses (Briefing No 19).
Who is it for?
TBT is suitable for a wide range of learners, whatever their age or learning goals. It does not require
computer expertise; properly designed learning packages are user friendly (Briefing No 6).
TBT can be useful for developing knowledge of almost any subject matter and for a range of skills (eg
keyboarding), but learners may need to put their new knowledge and skills into practice away from the
computer.
How and where is it used?
Technology-based training may be used:
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as a self-study resource, with or without tutorial support and/or mentoring
for small groups
as part of a larger course or training event (Briefing 8 ).
Learners may study:
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at a single TBT workstation in the workplace
in a learning centre
on the premises of an external training provider
at home, if they have the right equipment.
You will need to decide whether to set up a learning centre or a series of workstations in-house
(Briefings 7 and 24) or to provide access by other means.
Organisations are increasingly delivering TBT via networks, Intranets and the Internet, but these do
impose some limitations (Briefings 16 and 21).
What software and hardware are required?
A wide range of ‘off the shelf’ software is available for TBT (Briefings 4, 15 and 20). Buying an off-theshelf package, if a suitable one exists, will normally be much cheaper than commissioning your own.
Some packages may allow a degree of customisation (Briefing No 8).
If you need to commission your own learning materials, it will be necessary to consider whether they
should be contracted out or produced in-house (Briefings 5 and 18).
Decisions on hardware should depend on the software applications you run. For some applications, a
standard PC will be sufficient; for others a higher specification multimedia PC will be essential (Briefings
3 and 3A).
Other Issues
A technology-based approach may entail a significant investment, so do carry out or commission a
thorough needs analysis and feasibility study first.
You may decide to retain a consultant (Briefing 9) to help you think through the issues as applied to your
organisation, for example to help in setting up a learning resource centre.
You may also wish to use an external provider for TBT-related training courses, either delivered inhouse or off-site (Briefing 10).
You may wish to link your use of TBT to National Vocational Qualifications and/or Investors in People
(Briefing 13) or to your overall business strategy.
Further Information
Other Briefings in this series provide more guidance on particular issues and direct you to further
sources of information.
TfT Access Points, Information Points, and Demonstration Centres (TfT Briefing No 1 and TfT Directory)
hold copies of all TfT Briefings and also:
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fact-sheets produced by some other organisations eg the Forum for Technology in Training
information produced by the Department for Trade and Industry’s Information Society Initiative.
relevant directories and databases.
The TfT web-site includes copies of all Briefings, some other documents and links to other relevant
organisations.
Details of the above are available from TfT Information Points
or on the Internet: http://www.tft.co.uk/
 Technologies for Training Ltd March 1999
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