Certain trends have emerged in computer training of late. Since economic situations have been hard due to the recession, companies have been applying cost cutting measures in computer training including personnel who deliver the training. As per a study in this regard, 13% of all training is being delivered online. The major trends observed in the field of computer training are:
1. Developing in-house expertise: Increasingly, corporates are opting for delivering the training though its own employees rather than access external staff support for it. The trend is towards multi-tasking in one’s own organization rather than hiring trained experts from outside for a specific job. However, it is felt that there is need to develop organizational capacity in this regard since the knowledge of employees who specialize in other fields needs to be enhanced in IT to levels comparable with those of the experts in the field. Hence services of external trainers are being hired by companies for the training of their staff on soft skills, development of effective training material, communication, leadership skills and many more.
2. Focus on Self-Learning: Instead of theory, the emphasis is on imparting practical skills. ‘Learning by doing’ is the preferred mode of teaching. On-the-job IT training programs are making use of teaching aids like online assignments, CDs and interactive software to impart learning in computers. Availability of internet within organizations and online educational material over the web is being accessed increasingly to impart the training to employees.
3. Individualized Training: Earlier organizations make use of group training programs to provide training to their employees however now there is increasing preference being shown towards customized training modules as per requirements of individuals. This is finding support from the clientele as well since people prefer modules that suit their requirements rather than general conventional training that is more suited to the entry level.
4. Need-Based Training: Training imparted now is also getting need based. In the group based training methodology followed hitherto, computer training was imparted to groups at random and not to individuals as per their task-based requirement. This is no longer the preferred mode of instruction. Nowadays, in place of providing compulsory training at fixed intervals to employees they are provided computer training when they need it. This method has reduced the time lag between learning and the application of the skills thus acquired.
5. Dedicated Resource Centers: To impart training as per the new approach, organizations are investing in developing ready reference material for its employees. Resources comprise self-tutorials that draw upon the latest database available online. Such resource once developed obviates the need for a dedicated department that would entail costs.
Computer training trends have rapidly altered over the past few years because of requirement in the organizations. What remains to be seen is whether traditional organizations can live up to the challenge and cope with the change and adapt their computer training with the changing requirements.
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