Five Training Methods

We’ve been exploring different types of training methods and technologies that are used within training environments. I chose five of those methods to provide a little more in-depth look at how these resources can assist with training developments.   

1.      Social Media- This technology involves online and mobile technology that creates interaction of user-generated content. (Noe, 2013)  Such types of media include blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and a host of many others. These sites help videos, articles and/or other supplemental information that can help support your training.  Social media can also link your participants before, during, or after the training period to allow them to know one another. Many companies may create internal social media tools, such a micro blogs to use among employees to communicate within.

2.      Adaptive Learning-refers to the technologies monitoring student progress, using data to modify instruction at any time. (Horizon, 2017) This tool provides individualized learning to learners based on their strengths and weakness within a learning environment.  Using adaptive tools, students will be guided through foundational concepts such as peer review strategies, argumentation, and designing multimodal compositions, ensuring a strong understanding of these concepts before moving on to more sophisticated activities. (Horizon, 2017)

3.      Mobile Technology- Mobile technology allows someone to learn from anywhere and at any time.(Noe, 2013)  Devices that allow this type of learning includes, tablets, smartphones, laptops, iPods, etc.. or any device that is capable of having an internet connection..(Noe, 2013)  This type of training can be formal or informal such as using blogs, or a type of social media. Convenience is driving demand for this strategy, with potential for new mobile-enhanced delivery models that can increase access to education. (Horizon, 2017)  This type of learning is greatly impacting the learning environment. Mobile devices have become the channel to personalized working and learning environments that introduce learning at each user’s pace (Horizon, 2017)

4.       Virtual Worlds-  Virtual world is a computer-based 3-D representation of a real world scenario. (Noe, 2011) Carol Leaman suggests training can become a game as well” gamification..” Gamification is the process of making nongame activities more fun and engaging. (Leaman, 2014) Gamification also is often used to engage people in learning when and where it’s convenient; information often is distributed over a long time period and not meant to be learned in one setting. (Leaman, 2014) Virtual worlds can imitate the work environment while allowing employees to practice the skills needed to perform their job effectively. (Noe, 2011)

5.      Intelligent Tutoring Systems- These are technology tools that provide additional support to learners, such as tutoring, coaching or empowering. (Noe. 2011)  There are five components to ITS: user interface, domain expert, trainee model, training session manager, and trainee scenario generator.  These type of systems allow tailored instruction, a communication tool, determine learners’ level of understanding and assessments. 

References

Horizon Report. (2017). Horizon Report: 2017 Higher Education Edition. New Media Consortium.

Leaman, C. (2014). Boost Basic Job Skills Training. TD: Talent Development, 68(8), 34-39.

Noe, R. A. (2013). Employee training and development (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.