IMCBT

Increasingly, employers are recognizing that manyactive and the student must participate.
critical skills cannot be effectively taught in theBetter knowledge retention...
classroom and need to be reinforced andIMCBT programs provide a multi-sensory learning
enhanced in the job setting.environment that maximizes the way people
Interactive multimedia computer-based trainingretain information. Studies have shown that people
(IMCBT) has become the buzz term in trainingremember 20% of what they see and 40% of
and business circles. Many people have heard of it,what they see and hear. Interactive multimedia
but few can define it if asked.computer-based training allows people to
What is it?remember 70% of what they see, hear, and do.
Interactive. This term applies to any type ofNo-risk situations...
program or training that requires the learner to doIMCBT can simulate many work, laboratory or
more than just sit and watch or listen. The theoryfield environments that may be inaccessible for
behind interactivity is that the individual will learnon-site training demonstrations. Students can
faster and retain more information than is possiblesafely practice and master skills, allowing their
through passive or non-participatory education.progress to be monitored and improvements
Multimedia. In its purest sense, multimedia refersmeasured and documented before applying them
to any product that uses more than one mediumin a potentially hazardous situation. For example,
to convey information. So by definition, a programnew workers in a manufacturing plan can master
that uses text and graphics is a multimediathe skills to operate machinery before they
product. Today, the term connotes the use ofassume their work duties.
audio and video.IMCBT Disadvantages
Computer-based Training (CBT). CBT refers toMany companies find it difficult to keep their
any training whose primary delivery mechanism isemployees abreast of the latest technologies and
a computer. Facilitated discussion or exercises (i.e.techniques. A more serious problem is the fact
with another application, with a piece ofthat many employees - from the blue-collar
equipment, interacting with other individuals, etc.)worker to the professional - lack the basic skills
can accompany CBT. The term used to describethey should have learned in high school.
the software for the CBT is courseware.These are some of the drawbacks to using
When should a company consider using IMCBT?IMCBT:
In 1997, instructors in live classrooms delivered* Need access to a computer
almost 80% of all training. By the year 2000,* Must understand and know how to use a
computers will deliver over 50% of all trainingcomputer
worldwide. In fact, over 50% of U.S. businesses* Personnel resistance
have already incorporated some type of* Must be well-done
computer-based training. Interactive training hasNeed access to a computer...
grown at a dramatic rate as more and moreStudents must have access to computers at
organizations see the benefits this technology canhome, at work, or at some training location within
bring.the company to use IMCBT. Sometimes
Limited manpower and financial resources, alongcomputer access is possible.
with the growing demands of rapidly changingMust understand and know how to use a
markets, have forced trainers to considercomputer...
alternative methods of training.To use an IMCBT, it is assumed that the
Many companies need to provide some sort ofpersonnel being trained are somewhat computer
training or instruction to their workers and/orliterate. They must know how to use a keyboard
customers. In fact, over 50% of U.S. businessesand a mouse. Some people must be trained, at a
have already incorporated some type ofminimum, basic computer skills prior to using an
computer-based training. This is especially true forIMCBT program.
technology-based firms. These companies havePersonnel resistance...
several options for providing needed training: theySome people have phobias concerning the use of
can send people to school, hold in-house trainingcomputers, while others balk at any type of
classes, provide manuals and self-study guides,computer function. They may feel it is too
and/or use IMCBT.impersonal or that the computer is "out to get
Interactive training has grown at a dramatic ratethem". Some people may simply "freeze up"
as more and more organizations see the benefitswhen confronted with learning on a computer.
these technologies can bring. If you are aMust be well-done...
company who is considering implementing IMCBT,The IMCBT must be designed and written in a
there are several questions that need to bequality manner for the students to keep interest
answered.and learn. A good IMCBT program will not contain
* What are IMCBT advantages?too many graphics, videos, or colors. It should be
* What are IMCBT disadvantages?pleasing to the eye and easy to see. A poorly
* How do you make the decision to use IMCBT?designed IMCBT can result in boredom or even
This white paper will help you to answer theseconfuse the person who is supposed to learn the
questions and explain the advantages andmaterial. A person can learn more from a poor
disadvantages of using IMCBT as a training option.teacher than from a poorly designed IMCBT
You will then be able to determine when andprogram.
where your company should implement IMCBTTypes of IMCBT Programs
for training personnel and/or customers.* Software Training
IMCBT Advantages* Medical Certifications
Interactive multimedia computer-based training* Equipment Training
has advantages over traditional classroom training:* Simulations
* better than reading a manual,* Service Training
* cost-effective,* Adult Education
* practical,* Safety Training
* standard,* Sales Training
* better knowledge retention,* Orientation
* presents a no-risk situation.* Internet Training
Can be better than reading the manual...* Product Training
Manuals are usually more effective as a reference* Quality Training
tool than as a learning. Self-study guides can be* K-12 Learning
considered dull and boring. Many working people do* Military Training
not have the motivation or skills to sit down and* Foreign Languages
teach themselves by reading a manual or* Employment Policies
self-study guide. On the other hand, IMCBT* Sexual Harassment Policies
attracts the student's interest and can even be* Basic Employment Skills
enjoyable to use. It would certainly work betterHow do you make the decision?
than simply learning from a manual.Businesses make most sound decisions based on
IMCBT can simulate many work situations, givingpotential return on investment (ROI). It is
the worker practice in real-time, and thatassumed that the company has already
progress can be monitored and improvementsdetermined that training their personnel and/or
measured and documented through the software.customers is a value-added activity. Now, the
IMCBT helps transform workers unskilled in aquestion is whether or not IMCBT is the best
given area to those who are proficient in thatroute to take.
task.Criteria for deciding to use IMCBT include:
Cost-effective...* Cost and practicality of sending learners to a
Training can be expensive, and the majorclass
consideration in training is cost. The main concern* Availability of computers and computer literacy
a business has when it is deciding to invest in* CBT development cost versus the number
something, is the return on investment (ROI).being trained
Interactive multimedia computer-based training willAn effective decision can be made once these
give a business an average of over 100% ROI.issues have been weighed.
After the initial development cost, IMCBT will saveConclusion...
a company a considerable amount in trainingEvery company needs to have well-trained
expenses, as it can be used over and over again.personnel who will be able to do their jobs
As the number of people being trained increases,effectively and add value to the company's
IMCBT decreases the cost of training. Thisoutput. In today's age of information, knowledge
includes situations where many people must beis power. The more knowledge you and your
trained, as well as cases where companies have aemployees have, the more powerful and
high turnover of personnel. Utilizing innovative andsuccessful your company will be.
more efficient methods of training and educationWhile traditional, stand-up classroom training will
can have a significant, positive impact onnot disappear, alone it simply cannot provide
businesses and individuals. Companies can takeadequate solutions to the training and education
better advantage of their computer investmentproblems of today. Computer-based training does
by using them as learning centers.not cook breakfast, cure baldness or do windows.
Practical...It is not the best solution for all human
When the people to be trained are widelyperformance issues and needs. Employed
dispersed, travel time and costs to send them toappropriately, however, multimedia training can
a class is prohibitive, and sending trainers to themyield significant, positive results: less time and cost,
is not practical. IMCBT allows the worker to studybetter learning and performance, and improved
as this or her own convenience, without thecompetitive edge.
necessity of scheduling times for classes. IMCBTCompanies should consider using an interactive
programs dramatically increase comprehensionmultimedia computer-based training when it is cost
and retention of information by appealing to moreeffective, practical, and when standardized
of the student's senses through the use ofeducation is needed. PCs must be available,
multimedia presentations. IMCBT not only providesstudents cannot resist using a computer, and the
better results than classroom sessions, but canIMCBT must be well designed to provide the
also take up to 30% less time to complete.desired effect. In all, IMCBT can help to transform
Standardized...workers and customers unskilled in a given area
Since different teachers and trainers haveto those who are proficient in those tasks.
different styles of instruction, all personnel mayWritten by Lisa Spurlin, I would like to offer your
not receive the same training. IMCBT assurescompany a FREE, no-obligation evaluation of your
standardization of the training and contentcurrent training system. I can show you how to
presented. Everyone sees the same informationimprove training and save your company money.
and is exposed to identical learning environments.If you do not have a training system in place, I
The reliability of instruction, quality of information,can show you how IMCBT can benefit your
and presentation of materials is consistent frombusiness. Please contact me at for more
user to user and session to session. IMCBT isinformation.