Computer based training application has changed the way we view and perform our jobs. It has changed the way we educate our students and employees. Through the application of computer based training professionals have continued to stay abreast and in tune with the changes in their career fields no matter the industry. Occupations such as medical transcriptionist, accounting, administrative assistant and other “non-techie” occupations may have at one time been a simple analog skill requiring only a ledger, typewriter or slide rule. Today however this has all changed through the use of computers and computer software. Computer based training applications where unheard of in the past during the time depicted on shows like “Little House on the Prairie” and Nells Olson’s account ledger that was always open on the counter. But to keep pace with advances in technology used in the workplace, employees must receive the training and the most effective is through computer based training applications.

To be successful and achieve any type of advancement in today’s competitive job market, one must have knowledge of basic computer and software principles. In fact some career field training curriculum require classes in basic computer operation or mandate it as a pre-requisite before being allowed to start course requiring computer skills. Computer based training applications allow students to educate themselves and follow along at their own pace which is a wonderful advantage to “in the seat” resident training. Another advantage is that the training can be very specific in nature such as a computer based training application specifically for MS Word.

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Once an employee is hired and trained through a computer based training application, one must not stop the computer learning process. Each individual company is going to have specific systems and training required to advance the new employee to higher levels in management or to keep pace with current technology and follow-on computer based training applications will be required.

The use of computer based training applications is one of the best ways to accomplish a company’s training goals. Computer based training (CBT) uses computers and peripherals as a training aide. The computer based training applications can be run on the same terminal that the employee will use for day to day work, which adds to the flexibility. A student could easily receive instruction during a break in their work schedule or lunch time. The computer based training applications work through a training scenario in a step by step process using visual effects that will be encountered when running the real application in the “live” work environment. One of the keys to choosing the right computer based training application is to ensure it resembles what the student will encounter in his “real world” work environment.

The Microsoft Office Suite of products is likely the most targeted software for computer based training applications. CBTs and videos are available all over the web and community colleges in every corner of the world. A short refresher type program would be acceptable for computer based training applications, but the major focus of training should be toward advanced and specific areas. One of the most common and basic mistakes made in choosing a computer based training application is assuming that the student has no knowledge of the subject at all and wasting hours of precious training time reviewing basic knowledge already attained.