Chapter 7: Technology-Based Training: Connecting HR Research With HR Practice

Several recent trends, including rapid advances in technology, limited and uncertain budgets, growing skill gaps, and demand for just-in-time training have led organizations to increasingly embrace technology-based training (TBT) interventions such as e-learning (Patel, 2010). Technologydriven instruction brings many changes to the traditional training and development process. For example, once TBT programs such as e-learning have been developed, they can be administered broadly, potentially removing cost, geographic, and time constraints faced by traditional training delivery modes. Trainers also have more options for instructional design than ever before, and have seen their role change from expert to facilitator. In addition, learners have the potential to become responsible and active drivers of their own learning, making decisions regarding the content, timing and sequence of instruction.