June 2003 — Features

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The Realities of Web-Based Training

By Jennifer Minotti, Ed.M., & Paul Giguere, Ed.D., Education Development Ctr Inc

  • Expenses are often hard to estimate when designing WBT for the first time, and a break-even point for return on investment can be even harder to determine.
  • Cost can be more expensive than in a traditional classroom environment given the need for special equipment, software, instructional designers and the adaptation of course material, especially when designing WBT for the first time.
  • WBT may require an extra staff person to handle technical issues for participants and training developers.

Accessibility and equal opportunity for all

  • The ability and necessity to access the training materials are as important as understanding the materials.
  • Individuals with disabilities are at risk of  being excluded when content is not made fully accessible.

Conclusion

WBT presents both opportunities and obstacles for individuals exploring WBT as an option to meet a school's or district's training needs. Clearly, a lot of thought must go into the initial planning stage, taking into account the specific needs of the particular school or district. However, in the end, it should be remembered that "what makes any course good or poor is a consequence of how well it is designed, delivered and conducted, not whether the students are face-to-face or at a distance" (Moore and Kearsly 1996).

References

Gold, J. 1997. "D'es Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Present Individuals With Disabilities Opportunities or Barriers?" Computer Mediated Communication Magazine  4 (1).

Hall, B. 2000. "FAQs About Web-Based Training." Online: www.brandon-hall.com.

Horton, W. 2000. Designing Web-Based Training. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Ligle, J. and G. Madey. 1997. "Web-Based Training: A Case Study on the Development of an Intranet-Based Training Course. Online: http://hsb.baylor.edu/ramsower/ais.ac.97/papers/liegle2.htm.

Moore, M. and G. Kearsly. 1996. Distance Education: A Systems View. New York: Wadsworth.

Cite this Site

Jennifer Minotti, Ed.M., & Paul Giguere, Ed.D., Education Development Ctr Inc, "The Realities of Web-Based Training," T.H.E. Journal, 6/1/2003, http://www.thejournal.com/articles/16393

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