Discovering the Possibilities of Online Training Methods

Discovering the Possibilities of Online Training MethodsSara Ysabel

Examples of Online Training Formats

Online training systems are as diverse in their design as they are in their content. This one is an example from a San Diego Community College where they ask students registered for online courses to complete a tutorial about their online course platform, Blackboard. Here students log on to watch videos, download documents, browse frequently asked questions, and provide direct feedback about their online learning experience. An online training like this eases the transition for students who are new to online learning (or web 2.0 technologies in general). This training in particular does not have assessments built into the sessions but there are many that do. 3

The next example of an online training program comes from the University of Maines Safety and Environmental Management Department. Here the trainings are all listed with links to the actual training slides. On the left you can see a navigation bar for forms, policies, and media related to safety on campus as this training can be found on their main webpage. 4

If you were to click on one of the links listed in the previous slide you would find a series of slides with information written out and links to documents with additional information. On each slide there is a navigation menu that can be called up so that an individual can always get back to training goals, the outline, or skip ahead to finish a training they had previously started. 5

In this slide from the same training session they have uploaded pictures to illustrate the points they are talking about to eliminate any misunderstandings. This is an important feature for online training platforms as a picture is often worth 1000 words and we all know that there is a possibility that misunderstandings happen when individuals either skip over content, or read the information incorrectly. 6

Finally, when an individual reaches the last slide instead of a next option, they are faced with a take exam option. Here they can log in with their user information and take the assessment immediately following the training or come back to it later if they wish. 7

Central Washington University also has a similar online training program to the University of Maines except they have added some features that allow for a more individualized experience. Before going on to the online training slides individuals choose which audience they fall under so the training has information specific to each audience on campus. 8

In addition to customizing the information based on the status of the individual, each slide has an option to exit, a percent completion bar, a dropdown menu, and a help button. Another unique feature to this training program are the pre-test questions built into the slides. Once an individual chooses an answer another slide pops up to tell the learner if the answer is correct or incorrect and why. This is a nice option for longer trainings so individuals can assess their learning throughout the training and prepare for the real test at the end. 9

Miami University has a slightly different way of assessing learning throughout online trainings. Their trainings are laid out more like articles on websites but they add in scenarios throughout the content and offer three choices for solutions for each scenario and individuals can access the correct answer once they have chosen which they think is the best. 10

Advantages of Online Training

Reaching More PeopleEffectiveness of online training spans across many different types of individuals and learning styles. Online training formats can be accessed at any time from anywhere.Online training outcomes can be reached in half the time as in-person training.Online training assessments allow for immediate feedback on majority of questions.

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Learner AutonomyLearning is enhanced by allowing individuals to take control and interact with media. Individuals focus on the most important pieces for them to be able to take the knowledge back to their practice. Reflection on material learned and ability to work at an individuals own pace strengthens the individuals connection to material.

http://honors.epub.etsu.edu/195/2/Thesis.pdfhttp://search.proquest.com.libproxy.library.wmich.edu/pqrl/docview/1439785162/7F1E63CE152E4EDCPQ/7?accountid=15099 (in a study from due to online training a 4% reduction of global antibiotic was noted) http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.library.wmich.edu/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GALE%7CA297135961&v=2.1&u=lom_wmichu&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&authCount=1http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.library.wmich.edu/docview/103461178413

ConfidentialityOnline testing provides a level of confidentiality that some individuals need in order to have confidence in their abilities to perform. The online classroom is perceived as a safer space than an open lecture hall.

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Disadvantages of Online Training

Novelty of TechnologyUser errorFrustration with technological problemsLimited proven effectiveness

http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.library.wmich.edu/docview/103461178416

Concepts to Consider when Creating Online Training Formats

Mixed Method TrainingStudies show combining online learning with face-to-face instruction is more impactful than either method on its own. Learning outcomes are accomplished better when the training is collaborative or instructor-directed.

http://honors.epub.etsu.edu/195/2/Thesis.pdfhttp://search.proquest.com.libproxy.library.wmich.edu/pqrl/docview/927710461/7F1E63CE152E4EDCPQ/14?accountid=15099 18

Challenges in ImplementationStart-up time Creating an online environmentLearning to use the software and how updates impact existing contentCreating meaningful assessmentsClarity of structure

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Implementing Your Own Online Training Systems

Steps for Online Training CreationGet your supervisors onboard!Find your audienceCreate your content and methodologiesEstablish a timelineAddress the aversion to change

http://honors.epub.etsu.edu/195/2/Thesis.pdf21

My ProcessPester Paul and Mitch until I winChoose which student position to start with (or do I start with a particular training for the whole staff i.e. emergency procedures)Have the students create the content that I will then edit to fit the methodology: an e-learning course)Course creation (May), Content Creation (June), Assessment Creation (July), Course Completion (August)Let the students think they came up with it, encourage them to create the content (as they are the experts)

http://honors.epub.etsu.edu/195/2/Thesis.pdf22

References

Sandlin, C. (2013). An analysis of online training: effectiveness, efficiency, and implementation methods in a corporate environment. (Unpublished thesis). East Tennessee State University: Johnson City, TN

Jones, S. (2011). Refresh for success: Moonee Valley libraries online database training wiki. Australian Public Libraries and Information Services, 24.2 91-93.

Little, P., Stuart, B., Francis, N., Douglas, E., Tonkin-Crine, S., et al. (2013). Effects of internet-based training on antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory-tract infections: a multinational, cluster, randomized, factorial, controlled trial. The Lancet, 382.9899, 1175-82.

Hites, L. S, Grandillo, B. S., Garrison, E. R., Cimetta, A. D., Serafin, V. J., Renger, R. F., Wakelee, J. F., Burgess, J. L. (2012). Emergency preparedness training of tribal community health representatives. J Immigrant Minority Health, 14, 323-329. doi: 10.1007/s10903-011-9438-9

Safar, A. H. (2012). The students perspectives of online training at Kuwait University. College Student Journal, 46.2, 436

Maxwell, A. (2012). Technological advancements in methods of training with reference to online training: impact and issues for organizations. Researchers World, 3.3, 87-95