Interactive training is a well-established alternative to books, binders and the classroom. But with the evolution of tools such as Flash and XML, the meaning of ‘interactive’ when applied to training is rapidly expanding. The term now encompasses everything from a simple ‘read and test’ format to elaborate simulations, branching video, and users making choices in real time.
By themselves, interactive technologies do not automatically enhance learning or provide a better return on training investment, and not all topics are an equally good fit for an interactive format. Even when the fit is a good one, the development of effective training must start with the definition of learning objectives and an appropriate program design, and the identification of metrics (in other words, the discipline of instructional design is as important as ever). With that foundation, technology can be used to engage trainees, enable them to learn through ‘action,’ and provide tailored feedback on their actual choices. Where retention of information and understanding improve, then important metrics such as safety and productivity can improve as well.
Interactive technology is a potential boon for franchise environments where staff replacement rates, sometimes in excess of 100 percent, place a constant burden on managers, budgets, and the maintenance of brand values. The food service industry, for example, spends $4.3 billion each year to train a constant stream of new employees.
Interactive technologies are increasingly familiar to each new generation of trainees from their online experiences outside the workplace. Gartner, the leading technology industry analyst firm, has predicted that by 2011 corporate training will embrace computer games as a crucial component of improved learning. “Simulation helps you to ‘fail forward,’” says E-Learning Magazine, “to make progress through mistakes without any real negative consequences: only learning opportunities.”
At Quicksilver, we used interactive video as the basis for helping RSC Equipment Rental employees to identify safety hazards they can expect to meet on the job. Every employee has completed the training, and new hires must complete the course on their first day before they can venture out into the workplace. Follow this link to find out more.
Andrew Webb is Director of Internet Solutions and leads the development of interactive training.
