Computer-Based Training

If you're training people to use software, ITS Playback can probably simulate it sufficiently accurately, so that trainees think that they are using the real thing. Because it's a simulation, of course, trainees cannot go wrong, and you can guide them on the precise path you want them to follow, in a controlled, safe and reliable environment. Users can practise performing a task or business process from beginning to end, thus enabling them to do their jobs properly.

Because ITS is designed by experienced, professional trainers, many sound training principles have been built into the tool, to enable, and sometimes even compel, training course designers to adopt good, effective training practices.

See examples from a typical interactive training course. This course describes the Interactive Training System itself. For complete details of the Abacus Interactive Training System, view the On-line User's Guide. (Designer.zip compressed file: Either (1) click 'Open', and then double-click the 'Designer.chm' file in the window which opens; or (2) click 'Save' to download the file to your computer, and open it there.)

Designed for trainers by trainers, The ITS Suite, which incorporates ITS Designer, ITS Playback, ITS Manager and other ancillary applications, is part of wider advances in the PC-based approach to professional training. Traditional methods have focused on the lecture, whereby the trainer instructs, and the trainee observes. PC-based courses, aided by their multi-media formats, provide trainees with a more active and hands-on approach to training, which is based on trial and error. They are encouraged to interact with the Training Course by answering questions, typing relevant information, and clicking appropriate buttons.

Unlike traditional training courses, those run with ITS Playback are non-linear. This means that, although trainees can progress through a course in a sequential fashion, there is the scope for viewing topics as and when desired, whether it is to recap on a specific topic, or to repeat a task. Such flexibility allows the training material to be used, not only as a course of study, but also as a Help tool, to aid a practising user through a particular aspect of a task, while on the job.

Read what 'Management Today' and 'People Management' have to say about computer-based training. Even if you are already using this method, they may make you wonder whether you are getting the best from it.