Computer based training has quickly become a training medium of choice for student, school and employer alike. Computer based training is now highly used by many institutions and organizations for information technology training and certification as well as informative and educational training.

Computer based training solves a problem with more traditional means of learning. The problem typically lies in how training is offered. Traditional schools or “boot camps” are typically synchronous learning environments that are not flexible in the least. This is why Computer based training can offer a better alternative for some students. When looking for the best computer based training the following needs to be taken into consideration:

Assessment
Evaluation
Feedback
Mobility
Adaptation to the Learner
Tracking Progress
Costs

A valid part of any training, computer based training included, is assessment. Computer based training can make an initial placement and monitor student progress on the subject matter. Good computer based training can adapt to the learner and provide targeted instructional support. This leads to the next consideration for computer based training.

Another valid requirement for quality computer based training is evaluation. During the evaluation process a student is questioned and quizzed throughout the learning process to ensure they are absorbing and retaining the material presented. Based on this evaluation process the computer based training can be adapted and adjust the instruction to target weak areas in the students’ knowledge of the subject.

Computer based training, unlike other learning methods, can provide immediate feedback to the student through the evaluation methods mentioned above. This is what makes computer based training a very effective learning tool for both the student and organization.

Mobility of training is also important to both students and employers alike. This is attributed to today’s fast paced work environment as well as budget constrictions for training within the organization. Using computer based training allows the flexibility for students to asynchronously learn and employers to asynchronously train their employees. Computer based training also allows employers to provide training without losing the employee
for an extended period of time making less of an impact on day to day operations. In most cases the Computer based training can take place at the employee’s desk or on site. With laptops and PDAs, the mobility of Computer based training provides a big advantage and even more added flexibility to this option.

Interactive Computer based training can keep a student engaged in the learning that is taking place. Do to the skill set required for vendor certifications, computer based training is a perfect method of instruction as it can and should provide “hands on labs”. Some students find textbooks boring and lose interest quickly. Video and lecture are sometimes the best way to keep students engaged and adapt the material to the student. Computer based training can provide a combination of both video and lecture in modules which will allow the student to navigate and control his or her own knowledge level.

Organizations may need or want to track the learning process. Computer based training methods software should allow for the student to save their progress and show what learning modules have been completed and feedback on the evaluation of learning of those modules. Some computer based training allows the student to print certificates of completion that can be turned into the employer showing satisfactory completion of the material. Some computer based training provides a transcript like print out showing modules completed and the evaluation along with those modules still requiring completion.

When one considers the advantages of computer based training such as mobility and the asynchronous nature of the training, a company can keep costs very low. Employers need to pay attention to whether computer based training licenses are for single users or multiple users.

Quality computer based training should offer comprehensive training and information in current products and technologies. Some computer based training programs will offer instruction in a wide variety of computer related skills.

Software for computer based training can come in either single CD ROMs or packages of multiple CDs. Some even come with workbooks and text to amplify the material.

The complete traditional classroom experience can be attained through computer based training. Adaptive learning, one of the mentioned earlier adds a personalized touch that is sometimes missing from the traditional classroom making this type of training even more enjoyable.