Kevin Kruse, Jason Keil: Technology-Based Training

Your blueprint to creating and managing technology-based training!

Technology-Based Training is the first comprehensive overview and planning guide to the new world of distance learning. The accompanying CD-ROM and related web site (http://www.TBTsupersite.com) are packed with useful tools and links to technology-based resources to keep you up-to-date on all the latest developments in the field. Based on sound instructional system design principles and the latest technological advances, this book is filled with real-world examples and case studies so that you can see the principles in action.

Technology-Based Training will teach you how to:
Determine when to use CD-ROMs and when to use the Web according to your organization's needs Apply effective instructional strategies that will ensure greater learning Design user interface to provide better access to course content Track the effectiveness of your training program "Technology-Based Training is a must read for anyone thinking about moving toward web delivery for performance improvement." –Barbara Stebbins, supervisor corporate training and education, Ford Motor Company Put your technology-based training fears to rest. Everything you need to create an effective and cutting-edge training program is here!Summary: Good overview and management advice; short on technologyRating: 4This book is clearly good for the right audience: those new to technology-based training (which the author defines to mean CBT and WBT, not, for example, a flight simulator), training managers with external vendors, and those who are short of the soft skills necessary to navigate the rocks that frequently sink TBT projects. Engineers will also be well served by topics on selling a project internally, GUI design principles, project management, development vendor management, and lots on measurement of effectiveness (Kirkpatrick and ROI). Unfortunately, you know you are in the target audience only if you read the introduction, which is not possible if you buy the book on line. The book's title and subtitle "art and science of design, development, and delivery" misled me into thinking that a book on TBT would place more emphasis on technology. For me, a learning technology engineer, this means how to efficiently develop cutting-edge web-based training with high volumes, multiple languages, interfaces to learning management systems (LMS), and compliance with the emerging learning technology standards. There was absolutely no mention of such issues; it is assumed that you will outsource to a vendor who will handle those "details". While the book is not short, completeness demands at least an introduction to learning objects, metadata, XML, and the CMI standard for exchanging data with an LMS, with further references provided. This was omitted entirely. For those wanting technical details, I would give this book a 2, and recommend Horton's Designing Web-Based Training. For the proper target audience the book is a 4, which I will give it, because I could have read the table of contents here if I had noticed the link. In any event, any serious learning professional will buy at least two TBT books, and this one is certainly worth the time and money. A 5 for the content it has, but a 4 for the content it doesn't.Summary: Solid overview of e-Learning fundamentalsRating: 4Kruse and Keil cover a broad range of topics in this book. The authors provide an overview of available learning technologies, advice on how to tailor learning materials to different audiences, and tips on layout. The nicest part of this book is the section on selling projects internally, which I also found useful as a guide to selling projects externally. The authors discuss the selling process, which benefits to emphasize, and how to quantify cost benefits of technology based training. In short, the book provides a introductory overview of the leaning technologies that exist, some tips on how to get the most from various technologies, and advice of getting buy-in from stakeholders.Summary: Well-written, practical informationRating: 5A fine book that balances theory with application quite well. I work as a Technical Writer but have found that most of my work falls under the category of "Instructional Designer," so I did appreciate the background information that the author(s) provided on a variety of learning theories prominent in the field of Instructional Design. Additionally, the CD-ROM wasn't just a novelty; there were several documents which provided some excellent ideas for corporate templates I was creating, and the sample CBT/WBTs really show how it's meant to be done. The highest feedback I can give is that I will walk away from this book armed with some great ideas that will make my manager and technical team members wonder if I just got back from a super conference. This book really shows you how to improve your processes.Summary: All you need to know about TBT at your fingertipsRating: 5Technology-Based Training is an easy-to-read, helpful guide for readers who are new to TBT, as well as a handy reference for corporate educators familiar with delivering training via CD-ROM, an intranet, or the Internet. It is one-stop reading covering TBT basics, adult learning and instructional design, technology selection, interface design, and phases of TBT project management. The case studies and resources on the companion CD-ROM provided useful models we adapted for use in our first 2 (successful) TBT projects. I keep pulling it off my bookshelf to flip through!