Web-Based Training

Myrna D. Washington

INF 103: Computer Literacy

Instructor: Danika Geathers

August 3, 2009

1

Web-Based Training

WHAT IS WEB-BASED TRAINING?

3

BRIEF HISTORY OF WBT 4

WHO USES WEB-BASED TRAINING? 5

OTHER NAMES FOR WEB-BASED TRAINING 6

ADVANTAGES OF WBT 7

DISADVANTAGES OF WBT 8

HOW IS WBT DELIVERED? 8

APPLICATIONS OF WEB-BASED TRAINING 9

WorldWideLearn.com

10

HOW HAS WBT CHANGED THE WORLD? 11

CONCLUSION: TOWARD THE FUTURE 12

REFERENCES 14

2

Web-Based Training

When it comes to the attainment of their life goals, most people

who feel that they have not succeeded use a variety of excuses for

failing to secure the knowledge and training necessary to ensure their

successes. They may feel that they are not “college material”, that

they lack the time or finances, that there is no reputable college or

university nearby, or simply that they have not had the opportunities

to do so. In truth, they may truly have fallen prey to those excuses

in the past. However, in the dawning of a new age in communication,

the “information highway” has brought this much-needed knowledge right

to their front doors and into their homes and businesses through the

screens on their microcomputers.

Web-based training has revolutionized how we perceive learning

and training in the dawning of what has been called the ‘information

3

Web-Based Training

age’. With this novel approach to learning and communication, we can

connect our microcomputers to the Internet and Web, to universities

and other knowledge bases, to other microcomputers, and to large

“server” computers located anywhere in the world. In short, web-based

training allows anybody to learn anything, anywhere, at any time.

This form of connectivity has placed a marvelous opportunity at our

very fingertips and into our laps (via our laptops), with no need for

elaborate office spaces, lengthy commutes, or professional (and

costly) business attire. Web-based training has brought the

possibility of attaining a degree, occupational certification, or

professional knowledge and training into our kitchens, our bedrooms,

our office cubicles, or even our garages. In this paper, we will

examine web-based training to see how Web-based training has

revolutionized our concepts of education and learning today.

‘Web-based training (WBT) is an innovative approach to distance

learning in which computer-based training (CBT) is transformed by the

technologies and methodologies of the Internet, intranet using a Web

browser’ (WBTIC, 2009). WBT is presented in an engaging self-paced,

intensive format which consists of live content that can be easily

4

Brief History of Web-Based

What Is Web-Based

Web-Based Training

modified and up-dated to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving

knowledge and information bases. It is the perfect format for ‘life-

long learners’ and those individuals who are self-motivated, self-

disciplined, and self-directed. It is the ‘ideal vehicle for

delivering training to anyone, anywhere in the world, at any time’

(WBTIC, 2009). In addition to focusing on learning to use the

available technology and creating well-organized education systems,

Web-based Training is multi-faceted, versatile, ‘media-rich, and

capable of evaluation, adaptation, and remediation, all independent of

computer platform’ (WBTIC, 2009).

When the World Wide Web was introduced in Switzerland in 1992 at

the Center for European Nuclear Research (CERN) (O’Leary and

O’Leary, 2008, p. 30), who would have predicted the explosion of

knowledge that has precipitated from this multimedia interface with

the Internet? Prior to the introduction of the Web (the multimedia

interface to the resources available on the Internet [p. 30]), the

Internet was the physical network that consisted solely of text.

However, with the development and implementation of the Web, the use

of graphics, animation, sound, and video were added, enabling the

5

Brief History of

Web-Based Training

collaboration of these two forms of communication to become “the most

powerful tools of the 21st century” (p. 30).

According to Tim Kilby (2001), Web-based training was first

introduced in the early 1990’s as “distance learning” and was limited

to expensive electronic classrooms (para. 4). When the Web-based

Training Information Center (WBTIC) was established in 1994, it was

the first site of its kind on the Internet. In those early years,

‘the World Wide Web was relatively unknown to technology-based

trainers and was under-appreciated for its potential and available to

only a few lucky users’ (para. 3 - 5). However, “forward thinking

designers began to consider the opportunities presented by the

technology and to work these judiciously and intelligently into online

instruction” (para. 5). With the advent of ‘faster computers, better

browsers, faster connections for the masses, high-speed backbones,

dramatically faster multimedia codecs, and standardized programming

languages’ (para. 6), vendors began to seize the opportunity to create

proprietary products for developing online learning applications and

delivery systems. The results are the mainstream online learning

systems available today.

6

Who Uses Web-Based

Web-Based Training

With its ability to train anyone, anywhere, anytime, Web-based

training has the potential to meet the diverse training needs of

today’s increasingly multi-cultural global population. Of course,

anyone with a computer, access to the Internet, intranet, and World

Wide Web (via a Web browser ), and an unquenchable thirst to learn,

grow, and evolve, is a potential user of the training and education

available through WBT. Individuals who perceive themselves as

lifelong learners independently seek out these services within the

comfort of their own homes or office spaces. These include busy

housewives, senior citizens seeking second careers, working students,

and busy employees looking for the opportunity to expand their working

knowledge bases and occupational skills. To accommodate the

individuals, top universities have implemented online courses and

degree programs that can be used in combination with or in lieu of

traditional instructor-led (‘brick-and-mortar’) classroom

presentations.

Large corporations, organizations, and businesses use Web-based

training to orient, educate, train, and evaluate their new and

existing employees with instruction that can easily be paced by a

trainer or self-paced by a self-directed employee. By ‘integrating

WBT, information systems, and job aids into unified systems available

on demand (i.e., Web-based performance support systems [WBPSS])’ (WBTIC,

7

Web-Based Training

2009), these busy employees have the opportunities to enhance their

on-the-job performances and increase their wages.

Federal, state, and local governments, as well as, public utility

companies use WBT as ethics training courses, diversity training

courses, to develop online teaching materials, documents and exhibits,

and to bring “timely, interactive audio and video webcasts on

contemporary topics to the regulatory policy community” (Bronner

Group, LLC, 2009). For a more complete list of the top users of Web-

based training, see Figure. 1.

8

Top Users of WBT

Training Companies, Employers, and EmployeesTop Accredited Universities and CollegesPublic School Systems (free for grades K through 12)Technical and Vocational SchoolsIndependent Trainers, and InstructorsFederal, State, and Local GovernmentsPublic Utilities CompaniesStudents, Housewives, Retirees, and ImmigrantsCisco, IBM, and Mind Leaders

Other Names for Web-Based

Web-Based Training

Web-based training is also known as: 1) distance learning, 2)

computer-based training (CBT), 3) Internet-based training (IBT), 4)

Web-based learning (WBL), 5) e-learning, 6) online learning, 7) Web-

based instruction (WBI), and 8) Interactive media instruction (IMI).

Although these names may sound similar, there are subtle differences

that separate them. For instance, distance learning also uses other

computer-based methodologies that may be delivered synchronously (in

real time) or asynchronously (delayed). These include e-mail,

electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards,

instant messaging. While Web-based training and distance learning

both use the Internet and the World Wide Web as their foundation,

“most distance learning programs include a computer-based training

(CBT) system and communications tools to produce a virtual classroom”

(Webopedia, 2009).

Computer-based training (CBT, also called computer-assisted instruction

[CAI]), on the other hand, a form of education used by both individuals

and corporations in which ‘student learns by executing special

training programs on a computer, is especially effective for training

people to use computer applications because the program can be

integrated with the applications so that students can practice using

9

Web-Based Training

the application as they learn’ (Webopedia, 2009). Webopedia (2009)

describes the differences in these delivery systems as:

Web-based training (WBT) is training delivered using TCP/IP and

HTTP protocols, the protocols that define the World Wide Web.

Internet-based training (IBT) is training delivered using TCP/IP

protocol, but not necessarily HTTP; thus IBT might use

proprietary protocols and applications. Training, in this sense,

means instruction to improve skills, change attitudes, or enhance

knowledge, principally in the workplace. Web-based learning

(WBL), Web-based instruction (WBI) and Internet-based instruction

(IBI) use the same respective technologies; however, these terms

most often are used to reference academic instruction.

Interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) generally means any

highly participatory, media rich computer-based instruction,

whether networked or not. Online learning and e-learning are

general terms that are synonymous with WBT and WBI.

‘Web-based training has the potential to offer many advantages

over traditional instructor-led training; if done well, training is

available to a larger audience - the same WBT course can be

distributed to desktops around the world’ (Boyle, 2009, para. 2).

This benefit tops the list of WBT advantages, whose components far

outweigh the disadvantages. As stated above, “WBT is media-rich

training fully capable of evaluation, adaptation, and remediation, all

10

Advantages of WBT

Web-Based Training

independent of computer platform” (WBTIC, 2009). By erasing the

geographical limitations and time constraints of traditional ‘brick-

and-mortar’ education, WBT provides training that:

Is easily access and controllable

Is learning-centered, accommodating individual learning styles,

temperaments and schedules

Offers a full range of courses that are engaging and user-

friendly

Provides a high level of interactivity that suggests learner

control and encourages active participation

Provides timely and expedient reflected appraisals of both

instructors and students

Has multi-platform and multitasking capabilities

Has a superior interface design that facilitates mental comfort

and increases cognitive awareness

Promotes continuous learning, high self-efficacy, productivity,

and modification of content

Is accurate, relevant, and easily modified or updated

Encourages both administrative and learner control

Can be accessed 24/7 by any one, at any time, from anywhere in

the world

11

Web-Based Training

Can be customized to meet the medium of the organization or

institution

Although the initial concerns with Web-based training involved

‘the over-use and, in many cases, entirely inappropriate use of this

technology’ (Kilby, 2001, para. 6), the current concerns focus on

interface design, programming, and availability. For instance,

according to the WBTIC (2009), ‘training designers are still

struggling with issues of user interface design and programming for

high levels of interaction and there are few examples of good WBT

design visible on the public Internet.’ In addition, limited

bandwidth and browsers restrict instructional methodologies by

retarding the performance for intense graphics, sound, and video. Of

course, since people are the most important part of information

systems, end-user problems will always plague the well-being of this

revolutionary delivery system. Moreover, someone must undertake the

tedious responsibilities of billing, maintenance, server access, and

usage control.

12

Disadvantages of WBT

How Is WBT Delivered?

Web-Based Training

According to the Bronner Group, LLC (2009), one of the leading

groups in WBT, and Webopedia (2009), Web-based training is delivered

by either static methods or interactive methods. Static methods include: 1)

streaming audio and video, 2) hyperlinked Web pages, 3) live Web

broadcasts, and 4) portals of information. Interactive methods

include: 1) bulletin boards, 2) chat rooms, 3) instant messaging, 4)

videoconferencing, 5) ‘cafes’, and 6) discussion boards.

Although delivery can be synchronous or asynchronous, in most

cases, the possibilities for scheduling, personality, and/or lifestyle

conflicts ensure that most of the interactions will be asynchronous.

Still, there are instances when training is done in real-time, via

live Web-based training (See Fig. 2).

Live Web-Based Training:

13

Web-Based Training

Fig. 2

Examples of WBT include (Bronner Group, LLC, 2009):

Broadcast Video: Live, streaming video, audio, and slides;

Video on Demand: On-demand, prerecorded video and/or audio with

accompanying graphics that can be accessed by the learner; and

Virtual Classrooms: a combination of a browser-based Web

conferencing tools and audio conferencing

The applications of Web-based training include: 1) academic

instruction, 2) on-going professional, occupational, and vocational

training, certification, and re-certification; 3) standardized new

Instructor teaching from anywhere at

anytime

Student using Web browser to attend from anywhere at

anytime

Student using Web browser to attend from anywhere at

anytime

Student using Web browser to attend from anywhere at

anytime

14

Applications of Web-Based

Web-Based Training

student and employee orientation and training; 4) pre- and post skills

assessment and evaluation; 5) prerequisite, enhancement, evaluation,

and follow-up for Instructor-led training (ILT); 6) software design,

introductions, and upgrades; and 7) organizational learning and

personnel needs, such as ethics, diversity, and multicultural

training.

One of the most visible examples of Web-based training on the

Internet and the World Wide Web is WorldWideLearn.com, a ‘gateway for

anyone seeking adult education or training programs online’ (TechTrends,

2002). Launched in May 1999, WorldWideLearn.com offers an abundance of

diverse courses and degree programs (see Fig. 3) ranging from

astronomy, cryptography, painting, doctorial programs, and public

speaking, to gardening, dream interpretation, medical education,

professional and career development, and undergraduate and graduate

degree programs (para. 1). WorldWideLearn.com currently receives

over 115,000 visitors and 1200,000 page views every month, and has

established relationships with training companies and top universities

including Penn State, University of Texas at Austin, Oxford University

15

WorldWideLearn.com

Web-Based Training

Open Learning (U. K.), Colorado State University, Texas A & M, Capella

and the University of Phoenix (TechTrends, 2002, para. 2).

W orldW ideLearn.com

74

34

2812

Subject Areas

Online courses

Online DegreeCategoriesOnline TrainingCourses

Figure 3

Web-based training has changed learning perspectives and

perceptions forever! It has changed the way we look at education and

information brokering by providing unparalleled learning on demand. It

allows anyone to access self-directed, self-paced instruction on any

topic, anywhere in the world, any time of the day. It meets the

training needs of an increasingly diverse population and addresses the

ethical and cultural concerns of a global population. With multi-

platform capabilities (i.e., Windows, Mac, UNIX, PDA’s, phones, and

other wireless devices) and multitasking capabilities, it requires

little technical support and is suitable for electronic performance

16

How Has WBT Changed The

Web-Based Training

support systems (EPSS) that integrate information systems and job

aids.

Although WBT is experiencing an increase in its level of

acceptance, traditional instructor-led classroom training (ILT) is

still the most dominant delivery method for education, knowledge and

information. According to Don Clark (2004), ILT is “used for 65% of

all formal training, while self-study e-learning now accounts for 20%

of student hours” (para. 13). However, that is rapidly changing as

instructor-led training incorporates online training into its

curriculums, resulting in a powerful and effective blend of classroom

and online learning. For example, Podcasting training leapt from 5%

in 2004 (See year 7 on Figure 4) to 15% in 2005!

Learning M ethodologies

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 91998 - 2006

OtherW BTILT

Figure 4

17

Conclusion: Toward the

Web-Based Training

As we have seen, Web-based Training has definitely changed the

way we humans look at learning. Gone are the days when the only

option for off-campus students is to drive thirty or forty miles to

attend classes at traditional ‘brick-and-mortar’ institutions. Gone

are the days when students must rely solely on the presentations made

by their classroom instructions. As WBT is incorporated into

traditional formats, we will also see dramatic changes in how these

institutions view this delivery system because WBT also has the

potential to become a valuable and profitable asset.

Future trends in Web-based training include dramatic changes in

online learning design and development that will make Web services,

wireless devices and XML commonplace (Kilby, 2001, para. 18). In the

very near future we will see an increase in the availability of

streaming media and advances in computer network technology, and

improvements in bandwidth that will expedite capabilities for

unlimited multimedia access. “Web browsers that support 3-D virtual

reality, animation, interactions, chat and conferencing, and real-time

audio and video will offer unparalleled training opportunities”

(WBTIC, 2009). ‘As instructional designers and training analysts

learn how to write and produce WBT, and as training vendors come to

realize the overwhelming advantages of this delivery method, we can

18

Web-Based Training

expect an explosion in training offerings available over the public

Internet and private intranets’ (WBTIC, 2009).

In his forecast on the future of WBT, Tim Kilby (2001, para. 24)

writes:

Based on what we have seen so far and the speed of technological

growth, I foresee dramatic changes in adult learning across all

venues. Wireless technologies will spawn new Internet-connected

devices that will incorporate embedded training. Your “smart”

refrigerator will not only know its contents and create a

shopping list, but it might also teach you how to make a perfect

cheesecake. Your personal learning appliance (PLA), portable, or

course – connects you to the best courseware from around the

world. Perhaps the most poignant changes will come in academic

courseware delivery as we see the gradual dissolution of the

traditional campus environment. I see a time when universities

prescribe personalized learning plans and aggregate knowledge

content, wherever it may originate, thus becoming knowledge

brokers.

19

Web-Based Training

Boyle, K. J. (2009). Web-based training overview. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/webbtraining/start.htm

Bronner Group, LLC. (2009). Web-based training: An overview. Retrieved July 27, 3009, from http://www.narucmeetings.org/Presentations/bronner1104.pdf

Clark, D. R. (2004). Learning and training: Statistics and myths. Retrieved September 30, 2007 from http://nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/ahold/isd.html

Kilby, T.  (2001). The direction of web-based training: A practitioner's view. The Learning Organization, 8(5), 194-199.  Retrieved July 15, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 265987401).

O’Leary, T. J. & O’Leary, L. I. (2008). Computing essentials (Introductory 2008). Boston: The McGraw Hill Companies.

20

References

Web-Based Training

Web-based Training Information Center (WBTIC). (2009). What is web-based training? Retrieved Wednesday, July 1, 2009, from http://www.webbasedtraining.com/home.aspx

Webopedia. (2009). What is WBT? Retrieved July 15, 2009, from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/WBT.html

WorldwideLearn.com. (2009). Master’s degrees online. Retrieved July 21,2009, from http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-master/index.html

21