Technology Talks

Technology is needed in any organization. Depending on an organizations budget, plans, and know how, will determine the types of technological tools that should be utilized. The aspect of technology in training is important as the use of it can benefit and affect many variables, especially the return on investment. There are numerous technology in the market, and because of that it is necessary to learn some of what is provided by each. I have chosen 5 technologies to sort through, each having a link to a website that offers the use and information of the technology tool.


Intranet Based Training

Intranet Based Training is an internal training system where the organization actually utilizes their own computer network. The training modules are intended for the staff of the organization only, and no one else can access it. This technological tool has helped various companies train and continues to assist larger companies that have a mission of training thousands of employees on a daily basis, all while keeping a record of each training course taken.

Virtual Worlds

The picture below is a glimpse of what you would get if you tapped into the virtual world of Second Life. "Second Life is a computer-based, simulated online virtual world that includes a three dimensional representation of the real world and a place to host learning programs or experiences. In Second Life, trainees use an avatar to interact with each other in classrooms, "webinars" (web-based seminars) simulations, or role-play exercises" (Noe, R. 2010). This type of technology has not been around long, its fairly new offering organizations unique and low cost training from afar. I am very sure that this will continue to boom for the next generation of learners.

Teleconferencing

Teleconferencing is probably the most utilized technology tool when trying to train or conduct a meeting within an organization with people who are in different offices or even in different states. This technology utilizes audio, visual, and text to bring life to the training class or company meeting. Teleconferencing will continue to be used in offices and as better ideas get incorporated the more enhanced this technological tool will be. A perfect example of how teleconferencing has evolved over the years and continues to is shown in the second picture to the right. This type of teleconferencing utilizes 3D imaging, which now makes the meeting or training seem alive.

                                                                                                                                             

LMS-Learning Management Systems

The Learning Management System assists the management team with producing, conducting and controlling all aspects of an organization's training program. This is important as organizations now have to report to their stakeholders what has been going on within the organization. A perfect example of this would be an HR department and the need for the HR department to conduct, produce and control all of the organization's employees training courses, such as: sexual harassment, HIPAA, and new hire training. The LMS will give the HR manager the opportunity to track each employees progress in the course work assigned, track whether or not the employee took the course, track the scores of each course taken, and monitor for annual re-certifications. The need for this type of technology is great and if an organization can afford it, they should incorporate it into their office

Webcasting

Classroom instruction has changed in so many ways. It is no longer that sit on a chair in back of a small table and listen to a teacher talk in front of the class for about an hour. Now it is online via text and video. This is called webcasting. "Webcasting involves classroom instruction that is provided online through live broadcasts" (Noe, R. 2010). This technology is usually utilized in online college courses and the corporate market in sales. Webcasting will continue to develop and grow as technology grows, there will be more user-friendly software to make lives easier.

The technology field has so much to offer. The information and resources for all types of technology is out there for our taking. Training has proven that technology is a must and for an instructional designer, program manager, and especially trainer, technology will be needed in order to meet expected job performances. 

References:

Noe, R., 2010. Employee Training and Development. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin