Why CBT - FAQ

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CBT? How will we know if our CBT should be delivered on the Internet or a CD-ROM? What will our responsibilities be if we decide to develop a CBT with Avtech? What is an SME and Technical Advisor? What is a Prototype and why do I need it developed? What is the difference between ALPHA and BETA testing? Who owns the source code and the application Avtech develops for us? How will we know if the CBT is successful? Who will update the content? Will the instructors who have trained in the classrooms lose their jobs?
What is a CBT? Computer Based Training is a method of training and educating individuals in a way that can utilize several modalities: audio, video, graphics, text, and kinesthetic. This is due to the fact that we all have different learning preferences. For instance, some of us prefer to read and some of us like to be read to. Offering audio clips with each section of text provides the user with a choice. Also, the fact that a CBT is interactive by design will offer a self-paced environment that will accommodate the student's level of knowledge. All of these elements of CBT, if properly developed, will help reduce training time, increase proficiency, and improve memory retention.
How will we know if our CBT should be delivered on the Internet or a CD-ROM? If your content demands motion or large and complex graphics, and your students do not have the computer power to access the Internet at a higher rate of speed, then you probably will need to develop the CBT for a CD-ROM. Obviously, the other consideration should be that they have a CD-ROM player on their computer. If you are fortunate to have a choice, your considerations should be focused on such things as CD-ROM distribution and inventory, number of updates and redistribution, Internet access charges, Internet browser constraints, and actual number of students to be trained to calculate a return on investment. Avtech will certainly help you decide which medium is right for you.
What will our responsibilities be if we decide to develop a CBT with Avtech? If the course that is under consideration is already being used in a traditional instructor-led classroom, Avtech will need to meet with the Trainer and the Instructional Designer in order to completely understand what the learning objectives will be for the CBT. If the objectives are the same, or if additional objectives must be met are important considerations for the writer of the CBT to know. If the course is not currently being taught, the Instructional Designer and the Writers must meet with the Subject Matter Expert (SME). Again, the learning objectives must be established, and the information must be gathered in order to begin the writing and design. Avtech will also need a Technical Advisor from your organization. This individual would be instrumental in determining the computer system requirements and also for testing the technical aspects of the software. To summarize, we will need several meetings with the Instructor and Courseware Designer, if available, and most certainly Avtech will need to spend time with the Subject Matter Expert and Technical Advisor.
What is an SME and Technical Advisor? An SME or Subject Matter Expert is an individual who is appointed by your company as the person who is the most knowledgeable about the subject to be taught. Avtech will interact with the SME to gather information concerning the application or Information Retrieval System we are developing for you. Sometimes this person is an instructor or author of the information that must be taught or distributed. The Technical Advisor is someone from your organization that can give Avtech technical information about the computer systems that your software will be used on. The TA will also help to facilitate the ALPHA or BETA testing to ensure that the software will operate properly on the appropriate computers.
What is a Prototype and why do I need it developed? A Prototype (or Rapid Prototype) is the process of designing, developing, and ultimately approving the Graphical User Interface (GUI) and functionality of a proposed software application. Examples of various screens should be developed for the prototype. If necessary, the GUI design or functionality of a project can be adjusted after the initial approval. Functionality must be shown within the prototype to test appropriate tools and integration of the GUI. All navigation should be obvious and intuitive. The overall look, feel, and structure should achieve the learning objectives as set forth prior to the development of the prototype. The prototype is intended for the viewing and comments of the client/Avtech development team only. It is not designed to be presented to anyone outside of the team. The reasons are varied, but one key reason is that the protoype is still in the development phase. Avtech believes in utilizing a prototype rather than a "storyboard" on paper because we know that the best way to explain and illustrate an idea is through the medium for which it was intended, not the one it is replacing.
What is the difference between ALPHA and BETA testing? ALPHA testing, in the world of software development, is a quality assurance process that is used as an internal tool to test different aspects of a software project. Avtech tests spelling/grammar, functionality, navigation, GUI, and application set-up. We have specific people who are proficient at testing these areas. BETA testing is a quality assurance procedure that is for the client to test. After ALPHA testing, the program is given to the client for their evaluation. It is integral to getting a different user's perspective.
Who owns the source code and the application Avtech develops for us? The client owns the application that Avtech will develop. You will receive all of the source code and any production elements associated with the production, such as video and audio clips. There are no licensing fees or charges of any kind related to the development or distribution of your CBT. Avtech wants you to come back for modifications or additions because you want to…not because you have to.
How will we know if the CBT is successful? The success of the CBT will only be determined if the learning objectives are met. This can only be verified if the students are monitored after they have completed the CBT and the objective is accomplished. Other ways that can determine the effectiveness of the CBT are by administering a pre and post-test to the student. These tests can be integrated into the CBT itself. An assigned individual can use an administration tool that can be developed in conjunction with the CBT. This application database will automatically score the test results and append a file that can be used to compare and query all pertinent information.
Who will update the content? The client or Avtech can update the content of your CBT. You have three options: First, if you prefer to make changes to the content, when the CBT is delivered to you, it will also contain the source code files. You may use these files to change the content or add, delete, and modify any part of the CBT. This, however, will require extensive programming knowledge of the application software that was used to develop your CBT. Avtech can also offer a programming training service to any employee of the client. The second alternative is to have Avtech develop what we refer to as a "Text Editor" specifically for this CBT. This application, which is created at the time of the development of the CBT, will allow a non-programmer employed by the client to change the text content of the CBT. You may not modify other objects such as screens, video, sound, or graphic object on a screen. The other option you may also consider is to have Avtech provide this service to you. We can make all of the modifications to the CBT at any time at your request. Need battery for laptop? Dell inspiron 1300 battery - good quality and cheap price.
Will the instructors who have trained in the classrooms lose their jobs? There are several opportunities to expand the responsibilities of the classroom instructors. Some companies have given the task of content development for the CBT to the instructors. Others have welcomed CBT as a way to qualify students that are attending their class now. For instance, we have had some of our clients reduce a two-week classroom instruction down to one week. Previously, the first week of the class was used to get everyone at the same proficiency level. When this occurs, some students are either bored because they already know the information that is being taught, or they feel inferior because they need to be brought up to speed with the rest of the class. The solution is to have all of the students take a Computer Based Training course and become certified (at their own convenient pace) in the basics of the course before they can attend the class. This assures the instructor that all of the students attending their class will be at the same level. They will not be left behind by a fast-paced class or bored by a slow one. The result is less training time, and consequently, more students can be trained.
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