What is online training, and why is it becoming so popular?
Online training uses electronic media for delivery:

• Of almost any content (training in sales, customer service, management, safety, etc.).
• To any size group of users (individuals, groups of workstations, the entire organization).
• Any time and any place (locally, across the continent, around the world).

Is online training financially viable?
When online training is used in place of classroom-based training, many expenses can be reduced or eliminated, including those associated with:

• Travel and employee time spent commuting, traveling, etc., to classroom-based training.
• Hiring a facilitator and/or placing on-site facilitators at numerous classroom-based training locations.
• Reproducing/updating the training materials used in classroom-based training.

Are there other advantages to using online training?
By implementing online training, an organization can:

• Reach a larger audience (enterprise-wide/worldwide).
• Provide audience members the flexibility to learn at any time of day/according to individual schedules and abilities.
• Accommodate different:

  –Levels of experience (e.g., via supplemental preparatory training, course requirements tied to pre-assessment results, etc.).

  –Learning styles.

• Allow hands-on experience with client applications/products.
• Enhance learning by reducing any competition that may accompany classroom-based training.
• Grant audience members access to the training materials as needed on the job.
• Ensure consistency and currency of the training being delivered and maintained (only one version of course; only one place to update).

Is online training effective?
Properly designed online training can produce effective results by:

• Presenting an engaging user experience with:

  –Animated case studies and diagrams/examples.

  –Interactive activities and audio.

  –Simulations and role playing.

• Using assessments to determine the extent to which audience members have assimilated the learning.
• Operating independently of facilitators or allowing for expanded/easier access to facilitators.
• Providing the audience with expanded/easier access to materials/Web sites/job aids.