Computer based training provides the freedom to learn new skills or knowledge from a computer instead of in a classroom or training seminar. Simply stated, the computer-based learning definition must include the concepts of flexibility and convenience, which is why the platform has evolved into such a popular vehicle for staff training and distant learning options. And while you may have heard of learning management system software, there’s a new wave of more modern computer based training software that includes robust features for organizations. As such, in terms of the computer based learning definition, computer based training allows for the remote learning of your employees by using online software and programs.

How to deliver online employee training and development

With computer based training software, companies can get insights on training, see results, and find opportunities to bridge the knowledge gap, leading to more informed and confident employees! Let’s take a closer look at how all of this is possible with the best training tools.

Get insights through the LMS software

Computer-based solutions allow companies to visualize training engagement and make tangible data-driven decisions. Software offers extensive opportunities for capturing and using data to improve learning that isn’t available through other training methods. Companies can easily identify areas that are lacking or need growth with computer-based training programs, allowing them to assign company or department-wide training swiftly.

See results with computer based training software

A key advantage of LMS software is that employees and managers can see completion data. If employees are struggling in specific areas, the LMS software is adaptable, enabling managers to react quickly and create content that’s easier to digest. And managers using computer-based training software can see which groups of employees have completed the assigned training. For required training, such as compliance, managers can use dashboards on the LMS software to track who’s finished the training and ensure that their team is all on up to date with the requisite lessons.

Advantages of computer based training

When reviewing computer based training advantages and disadvantages there are two factors, in particular, that loom large when assessing the advantage. First, computer-based learning gives employees liberty to complete training classes or lessons at their own pace. It also means that employees can learn from practically any location. In terms of adding another layer of activities into your day, if you are like anyone else, the thought of taking training classes on top of everything that you already have to do can be a rather daunting prospect. But the convenience afforded by web-based training advantages makes you the master of your educational schedule.

Speaking from the viewpoint of the corporate trainer, the advantages of computer-based training are even more evident. The benefits of web based training not only include the ready availability that helps their employees, but the organizational power of e-learning software makes tracking employee progress a breeze. In working environments that are constantly evolving, this increasingly requires advanced learning and continued education from all members of the team from the CEO at the top to the newest hire at the bottom of the organization. For those employees who don’t have the time, or the opportunity to attend an off-site educational institution, the advantages of e-learning are many, and the benefits of e-learning are self-evident. Some of the additional benefits of computer-based training include:

Standard and consistent training

When companies go with traditional training methods, the training can be inconsistent because classes vary, instructors vary, and venues vary. In contrast, computer-based training software can be standardized, ensuring that training programs are consistent from session to session.

Training flexibility

The fact is that people work at their own pace. If people have trouble keeping up with an instructor or they are bored by the slow pace of the class, they aren’t going to pay attention. This means that they are going to get less out of the training. With interactive online learning, employees are able to work at their own pace. This allows them to tailor the training to their own individual needs. Furthermore, this interactive training software can be used by different teams, adding to its versatility. This is why online employee training and development is important.

Cost and time savings

An online employee training platform is more cost-effective than traditional training methods. With traditional training methods, people have to travel, pay for lodging and meals, pay for instructors, and pay for teaching materials. With an online employee training platform, there is usually a one-time cost. Then, this same platform can be used to train numerous employees.

Train 10x faster.

Disadvantages of computer based training

As mentioned, there are a myriad of advantages of computer based training that provide educational flexibility, and an organizational framework that is simply phenomenal. That being said, some computer based solutions come with a few disadvantages as well. Specifically speaking, employees without a strong technology background might suffer from computer-based training disadvantages as they might find it too cumbersome or confusing to navigate. Additionally, attending training in an office helps engage employees with personalized learning and encourages teamwork, whereas distant learning requires employees to be self-motivated to complete training. A vibrant mentoring program can ameliorate these disadvantages, however. By combining online learning modules with an on-the-job training program, even the most apprehensive employees are likely to succeed.

Types of computer based training

The previous sections hint at a basic fact  that not all employees learn in the same way and at the same pace. It is for this reason that computer-based training methods have such a high rate of success because flexible learning modules allow them to proceed at a pace that works for them. Additionally, organizations have found that training tools are a great way to deliver a number of different training methods. Some effective computer based training examples include:

Skills training

Designed to provide new hires with the information that they will need to perform their new duties while providing remedies for performance deficits that arise in the workplace.

Integrated learning and team training

Recognize that the key to a successful business is teamwork, and team training efforts are structured with computer-based training programs that deliver quality educational components.

Mentoring programs

Provide promising candidates a glimpse of the responsibilities that will define their upward movement through the organization. Guided by a knowledgeable, senior staff member, a mentoring program gives talented workers new confidence under the tutelage of a respected member of the organization through a close one-on-one relationship.

How to create effective computer based training lessons

Some of the most important tips when leaders are creating computer-based training development software for employees include:

Focus on microlearning

Computer-based training software is only great if it focuses on one specific topic at a time. Training apps for employees should be designed to ensure employees understand each topic before moving on to the next one. One of the major problems with traditional training programs is that they try to cover too much material too quickly. The result is that learners end up feeling overwhelmed and retention is poor. Instead, focus on one small topic at a time. Then, move on to the next topic once the employee has grasped the current point.

Leverage interactivity

One of the major benefits of online training and development is that it can be more interactive. Interactive online learning is much better at holding the attention of the learner. The better someone pays attention, the more they are going to get out of each session. Some of the great ways to make training programs interactive include graphics, videos, and interactive quizzes. These quizzes can also be used to assess someone’s retention of the material that was just covered. This is one of the major powers of interactive training software.

Provide feedback

Feedback needs to be a two-way street. First, the online training platform needs to deliver feedback to the person participating in the training session. This is important because it lets the learner know how they are doing. This program should also be used to let the leaders know how their employees are doing. In addition, there should be a way for the employee to provide feedback to the leaders as well. If there is an issue with the program or if there is something they do not understand, there should be a way to convey this information. Furthermore, if employees have ideas for how to improve the online training platform, they should be allowed to share this idea.

Allow flexibility

Remember that one of the major benefits of computer-based training development software is the flexibility that it provides. Leaders need to make sure that their training programs have this flexibility built into them. This training must be allowed for learners to go at their own pace. They should be able to pause the training program and review something if it wasn’t clear the first time. At the same time, if someone is grasping the concepts quickly, they should be allowed to move ahead to the rest of the modules.

Share expectations

Lastly, these training programs need to set expectations at the start of the course. Let the learners know what they should expect to learn over the course of the training program. These programs should also let the learner know how many modules there are or how many quizzes are in place. They should provide an estimated completion time for every step as well. Finally, it is also helpful to have a “percentage complete” bar accompany the program. As learners progress through the module, this bar should fill up. This is a great interactive measure that will inspire learners to continue working.

How to find the best training tool for your organization

When it comes to choosing the right computer based solution for your company, there are plenty of tools and platforms available. Here’s how you can make the selection process a bit easier:

  • Create a wish list of features that your leaders and trainers want
  • Talk to your employees to find out what type of tool they’d like to use
  • Work with your finance team to ensure you’re looking for a solution that fits your budget
  • Do your research—take a look at software rating platforms, customer reviews, and company websites to narrow down your search

Want to learn more about our computer based training software? Take a look at some of the customer reviews below, then schedule a demo to talk to one of our teammates.

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