Remote Sensing teaching tools: The benefits of computer based training
Benefits of CBT for trainees
The self paced nature of CBT allows for trainees to complete the course at their own speed. As highlighted by Fisher (1982:20), "Instruction to a class as a whole is likely to be too slow for the brighter students and over the heads of the less
bright". In the work place, trainees with widely varying knowledge and background will exist. The opportunity for each individual to revise course materials as quickly or frequently as required gives the trainees the option to progress at their own place. In this respect, a great feature of a computer is that it is "eternally patient and with out prejudice" (Fisher 1982:20). A student can repeat the exercise or lesson until it is fully understood.
Feedback and assessment of progress and understanding is provided to the CBT user. Well designed CBT packages provide the user with feedback via different types of assessment. This allows the trainees to assess their understanding of the objectives of the lesson. An added benefit is that this is done in privacy and not in a group situation, hence avoiding any embarrassment. Computers can take the drudgery out of maintaining progress records of the people being trained, compiling and scoring tests,
and providing easy access to files of information for reference or guidance (Holtzman 1970 ).
Table 1
Advantages of a well designed CBT program
- Consistent course content
- Provision of materials
- Self paced learning
- Assessment and monitoring of progress
- Multiple level trainees
- Class sizes
- Class venue
- Class timing
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Benefits of CBT for organisations
CBT can be used by all levels of personnel in an organisations. Instructors can complete the CBT course and be able to assist the students when it is introduced into the teaching program. In the work place, senior management can complete the course or the topics they desire in their own time and at their own pace and other staff in the organisation can do likewise. This can save mutual embarrassment.
The number of individuals who can be instructed using CBT is unlimited. once purchased, any number of staff, students or employees can use the package. Trainees do not have to wait until a class of a specific size has been obtained. In some cases, site license can be purchased, which allow for a certain number of copies of the software to be made and distributed through out the one organisation. This way training can be completed in a decentralised manner.
In the workplace, trainees do not have to be away from the organisation for days and weeks to attend a CBT course. This is the case for most external courses. Training of staff is a costly component of an organisation's budget. While a person is away from work being trained, some one else has to perform the job of the missing person. Time away from work can be reduced if the required training is available via CBT. Another feature of CBT is that training can be completed in a block format or can be completed on a part time basis depending on the workload of the trainee. An additional benefit of CBT is that the orgaisation saves money on accommodation and living expenses.
Trainees may complete CBT courses when it suits the organisation, not when it is convenient for an expert or company to conduct the courses. CBT courses can been conducted in house,
presuming the necessary hardware is available, they can be used as tutors. Key staff do not have to spend time teaching the basics to staff in the organisation, especially when their time is valuable. Organisations can schedule retraining when it is convenient to their company's workload. In certain cases people can continue to perform their current job and acquire additional skills via CBT at the same time (i.e. on a part time basis).
Well designed CBT packages can incorporate packages can incorporate practical activities as well as theory. This provides the vital hands-on experience required from remote sensing training (e.g. Kelly and Hill 1987) without the costs and time involved in obtaining suitable practical materials (e.g. to supplement a textbook or lecture programme). Alternatively, or in addition, the CBT package may incorporate separate illustrative or practical materials that supplement the computer based content.
