Interactive multimedia computer-based training (IMCBT) has become buzz term in training and business circles. Many people have heard of it, but few can define it if asked.

What is it?

Interactive. This term applies to any type of program or training that requires learner to do more than just sit and watch or listen. The theory behind interactivity is that individual will learn faster and retain more information than is possible through passive or non-participatory education.

Multimedia. In its purest sense, multimedia refers to any product that uses more than one medium to convey information. So by definition, a program that uses text and graphics is a multimedia product. Today, term connotes use of audio and video.

Computer-based Training (CBT). CBT refers to any training whose primary delivery mechanism is a computer. Facilitated discussion or exercises (i.e. with another application, with a piece of equipment, interacting with other individuals, etc.) can accompany CBT. The term used to describe software for CBT is courseware.

When should a company consider using IMCBT?

In 1997, instructors in live classrooms delivered almost 80% of all training. By year 2000, computers will deliver over 50% of all training worldwide. In fact, over 50% of U.S. businesses have already incorporated some type of computer-based training. Interactive training has grown at a dramatic rate as more and more organizations see benefits this technology can bring.

Limited manpower and financial resources, along with growing demands of rapidly changing markets, have forced trainers to consider alternative methods of training.

Many companies need to provide some sort of training or instruction to their workers and/or customers. In fact, over 50% of U.S. businesses have already incorporated some type of computer-based training. This is especially true for technology-based firms. These companies have several options for providing needed training: they can send people to school, hold in-house training classes, provide manuals and self-study guides, and/or use IMCBT.

Interactive training has grown at a dramatic rate as more and more organizations see benefits these technologies can bring. If you are a company who is considering implementing IMCBT, there are several questions that need to be answered.

* What are IMCBT advantages? * What are IMCBT disadvantages? * How do you make decision to use IMCBT?

This white paper will help you to answer these questions and explain advantages and disadvantages of using IMCBT as a training option. You will then be able to determine when and where your company should implement IMCBT for training personnel and/or customers.

IMCBT Advantages

Interactive multimedia computer-based training has advantages over traditional classroom training:

* better than reading a manual, * cost-effective, * practical, * standard, * better knowledge retention, * presents a no-risk situation.

Can be better than reading manual...

Manuals are usually more effective as a reference tool than as a learning. Self-study guides can be considered dull and boring. Many working people do not have motivation or skills to sit down and teach themselves by reading a manual or self-study guide. On other hand, IMCBT attracts student's interest and can even be enjoyable to use. It would certainly work better than simply learning from a manual.

IMCBT can simulate many work situations, giving worker practice in real-time, and that progress can be monitored and improvements measured and documented through software. IMCBT helps transform workers unskilled in a given area to those who are proficient in that task.

Cost-effective...

Training can be expensive, and major consideration in training is cost. The main concern a business has when it is deciding to invest in something, is return on investment (ROI). Interactive multimedia computer-based training will give a business an average of over 100% ROI.

After initial development cost, IMCBT will save a company a considerable amount in training expenses, as it can be used over and over again.

As number of people being trained increases, IMCBT decreases cost of training. This includes situations where many people must be trained, as well as cases where companies have a high turnover of personnel. Utilizing innovative and more efficient methods of training and education can have a significant, positive impact on businesses and individuals. Companies can take better advantage of their computer investment by using them as learning centers.

Practical...

When people to be trained are widely dispersed, travel time and costs to send them to a class is prohibitive, and sending trainers to them is not practical. IMCBT allows worker to study as this or her own convenience, without necessity of scheduling times for classes. IMCBT programs dramatically increase comprehension and retention of information by appealing to more of student's senses through use of multimedia presentations. IMCBT not only provides better results than classroom sessions, but can also take up to 30% less time to complete.

Standardized...

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