Training Technology ‐ IPD Guide

Citation

Mumford, A. (1999), "Training Technology ‐ IPD Guide", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 75-76. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.1999.31.2.75.2

The first thing to be said about this guide is that it is likely to be excellent value for money in two different respects. In a negative sense, it shows that an investment in “new” technology of, for example, £80,000 might not be effective. So, for the price of the guide, you could avoid a major waste of money. On the more positive side, it provides some excellent guidance on the circumstances in which this kind of training could be more appropriate and cost‐effective.

There is a clearer view of the advantages, including the probability of reduced learning time, yet increased learning effectiveness through bite‐sized material and feedback. Consistency and accessibility are also significant advantages. On the disadvantages side, it is inappropriate for most skills, not everyone is comfortable with the delivery mechanisms and the learner needs more self‐discipline than with other traditional methods. The guide provides handy checklists and questions which should enable anyone considering one of these systems of delivery to produce a good statement of objectives and benefits. It also discusses the issues of how to integrate technology‐based training into other methods of delivery ‐ though it is not as clear as it might be on how to make the choice of delivering particular sessions through particular methods.

Not the least of the strengths is the frequent reiteration of the significance of individual learners, and the extent to which they may react favourably or otherwise to this method ‐ with learning styles of course as one of the factors.