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by oldefar
I don't remember the source, but what I recall is that IBM used to have one of the best training programs around. It was in-house attended training and included labs. What was interesting was that the skills of the field force began tapering off in the late 1980's. Efforts were made to improve in-house training, but still the problem persisted. A study was conducted, and what was determined was that the skills were directly related to the bull sessions. As the field force was reduced and time accounting was increased, the techs no longer had the chance to just sit around and shoot the bull. Turns out that it was these sessions that resulted in the skill development - probably related to our hunting roots where learning was based in the stories around the campfire at night.
Chat sessions and tech forums are beginning to fill that gap in today's work environment. The best e-learning is to encourage workers to chat about issues and solutions. While formal training programs, attended or CBT, help introduce knowledge, the chats are where understanding is achieved.
I have gone to live online and traditional classroom based courses. I have also done some CBT (pre-recorded computer based training). I liked the live online course because I was able to multitask while watching the seminar. The instructor answered a lengthy question from a student, but I already understood the concept. Rather than get bored, I was able to hit the mute button on the phone, continue listening to the instructor, check my voicemail, and respond to a message- all from the comfort of my own desk. In a classroom, I'm stuck until the instructor calls a break or I have to miss out on a portion of the class.
The biggest thing missing in the online courses is the other students. I agree with Oldfart here. Online, I really have to work at getting into a discussion group or study session. Yes, I am able to talk to the instructor and have the others listen in, but you lose the chat time. The perspectives, insights, and experiences that come from the other students are not available online. How can you comment about a guy's laptop or his baseball cap when you can't even see him! During online learning, you never get face time. (The same thing happens with telecommuting, but that is for a different discussion.)
CBTs are good when I only have a general idea about the product and I need to learn more. They give the shotgun blast of instruction; a powerful, wide range of topics without specific focus.
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