eLearning for staff training and assessment is possible in a non-computer based environment via interactive response technology software and devices.  eLearning is defined by electronically supported learning and teaching, and thereby, the Internet does not necessarily have to be a defining factor, and, as I am about to show, neither is a PC, laptop or a tablet.

As an add-on to a company learning management system, eLearning can stretch past the office environment to workers that do not use computers during their daily work routine. Interactive response systems allow everyone in a company, from the head accountant to the delivery truck driver, to be included in effective company training initiatives.

How Does it Work?

We have seen this technology being used in TV game shows, where audience members are prompted to place votes on devices placed on the side of their seats. The same technology can now serve as a tool for staff training in non-computer based settings.

Audience response technologies, also known as interactive response systems, are systems that utilises software and wireless devices to create a situation where a facilitator poses questions to the audience, and the audience is then able to answer these on their response devices, also known as answer pads. Each individual’s device is registered to his or her own identity, and answers entered by the individual are captured through a wireless receiver.

A non-computer based audience of workers are assembled at a predetermined time and place. Training presentations, which could consist of PowerPoint presentations, video demonstrations or other dynamic training materials, are presented by the facilitator on a large screen. At the end of each training module, the facilitator would present a questionnaire to the audience as to test their knowledge on the topics presented. The facilitator will guide them in using their response devices to answer the multiple choice questions successfully.

Devices will be reset after the session, as to wipe it clean for the next user to use, and to ensure that no one is able to access another's answers.

In Which Situations Should These be Used?

1. Where budget is limited and every worker cannot be issued a laptop or a tablet for training purposes.
2. When there are hundreds of workers that need to be trained and evaluated in a work environment that is not computer based.
3. Where large scale illiteracy or language barriers makes the distribution of training manuals redundant.
4. Where there are not enough training personnel to assess individual workers on a one-on-one basis.

Training is important, but who has the time and energy to print a thousand questionnaires, bug employees to complete and submit them, go through them one by one to examine them, and then to still draw conclusions from them? It seems a dismal procedure. An audience response system simplifies the process of internal training evaluation.

Easy Data Capturing and Easy Data Analysis

An interactive response system can easily be developed and incorporated into a company’s learning management system (LMS). The audience data that is captured can also be configured to show results in the LMS system’s grading section for easy deciphering and analysis.

Once the session has been completed, a body of data will be made available. One will be able to draw conclusions and answer the following questions successfully.

1. What is understood and what is misunderstood by staff members?
2. In which areas do they need assistance/more training?
3. What do they require from training sessions?
4. Which areas show to be areas of interest and areas of disinterest?

In Closing

Through interactive response technologies, more than 100 workers could be trained and assessed in one session. Their answers to questionnaires, quizzes or surveys can be accurately and instantly captured for analysis. Half the job of training and assessing workers in a non-computer based environment is conducted by the technology itself with interactive responce systems.

Sound Idea Digital specialises in Learning Management Systems and eLearning developments | soundidealearningmanagement.co.za
Carla van Straten is a writer for Sound Idea Digital | Carla@soundidea.co.za