E-Training and Terrorism

In 2005, training videos surfaced that were directed towards terrorists. One video gave implicit instructions on how to build a mine that could detonate through sheet metal. Another video showed the viewer how to make gunpowder. Yet another gave step by step instructions on how to make a suicide bomber vest. These are not the only "how-to-for-terrorists" videos being posted online.

In addition to the instructional videos being posted on the net, terrorists have made extensive use of advanced technology. Flight simulation machines were used by the terrorist pilots prior to the attacks on US soil on 9/11.

E-Training is a useful tool when in the proper hands. But like any powerful tool, it can quickly be turned around and used to harm those that are innocent.

"Terrorist Training Videos Appear Online"
http://www.adl.org/main_Terrorism/terrorist_training_video_82205.htm

How To With E-Learning and E-Training

The development and implementation process of an E-Learning or E-Training system is very similar to that of any information system. The process itself consists of a few steps that are key:

1. Do a Needs Analysis
2. Development
3. Testing
4. Implementation

Step 1 of this process is the Needs Analysis. This step includes determining what the problem is and if a E-Learning or E-Training program is the appropriate solution. If so the company should identify the primary objective of the system, decide on a target audience and if it will be able to support a more customized system or be more comfortable with a cookie cutter system that allows for limited customization. Lastly a company should weigh the financial investment against the overall benefit the program will provide and choose the program that fits it best.

Step 2 of this process applies to a more technical aspect. At this stage developers perform a content analysis, gather and collect data, determine the format and presentation of the content, and create this content online. This process can be made very simple with the use of a "box system" per say with predetermined outlines or more complex with a customized system.

Step 3 is the Testing stage and also the most important. At this point the Program has been designed and developers should be making sure it is compatible with the business and that the system meets all the determined objectives. Also testing should ensure that the user interface is clear cut and does not require users to have unreasonable skills and knowledge. A sufficient amount of time should be spent on this stage to verify that the program runs properly and suits the needs of the company. To short-change the testing stage or skip it all together could lead to an avoidable disaster.

Step 4 is the Implementation stage. This stage is as the title suggests. The program is introduced to the company. A business should determine if it will switch over completely at one time or slowly work the new program into play. This choice should be made very carefully considering the amount of influence it can have financially and in the overall success of the program. this stage also consists of routine evaluations, maintenance, and updates to keep the program up to date and running properly.

E-Learning and E-Training programs have many benefits but may not be for everyone. A great deal of time, effort, and consideration should be taken before deciding to take on the investment.

How e-learning benefits employees

Access that is convenient to the user

Rather than having to work a physical meeting into already busy schedules, employees can complete coursework anytime and anywhere. This enables them to fill up time on slow days (which preserves productivity) or wait to study until after an important deadline passes. Depending on the software being utilized, employees may even be able to do work from home if they are sick or caring for a sick child

Low-pressure environment

Employees that learn on their own aren’t subjected to the stress of having to answer a question correctly. We all know the feeling of being called on in class to answer a question that we are clueless about. E-Learning eliminates this roadblock to efficient learning and allows employees to receive private feedback in a personal learning environment.

Increased retention of subject matter

Since employees can learn at their own pace, they are better able to retain the information contained within the lessons. A physical class that is restricted to a schedule might rush or altogether miss certain points on the curriculum, which has obvious negative effects on the employees that are supposed to be learning the material. E-Learning circumvents this problem by allowing employees to learn at a pace comfortable to them, which ensures that they learn everything in the lesson

Why eLearning can be a valuable asset to any organization

Several factors combine to make eLearning an excellent, if not superior, substitute to traditional learning for organizations. These factors ensure that a company gets the most out of its investment while keeping costs in check.

Reduced training costs

In the past, a company may have had to pay a fee for each employee that needed certain training. With eLearning, paying for a single course for multiple employees means that an organization can benefit from a much higher return on investment, as that lone cost is going towards the development of multiple individuals.

Additionally, companies save on travel costs, consultant (or teacher) fees, and any material costs that may have been associated with more traditional learning methods. These benefits combine to make for a more efficient and cost-effective learning experience.

Employee development at any time

ELearning enables companies to train employees at any time they see fit, not just when a consultant has time in his/her schedule or when there is not much business being done by the organization. This ensures that employees stay productive year-round and that companies pay for as little down-time as possible, again ensuring that costs are being kept in check.

Standardized learning experience

A standard learning product ensures that all employees are receiving the same instruction. While consultants would probably offer a similar benefit, an eLearning package ensures a standardized delivery with identical content being presented. Each employee learns the same things and in the same manner, ensuring that everybody is on the same page.

These are just a few of the potential benefits that eLearning offers corporations. Feel free to discuss any more benefits that you feel would result from choosing an eLearning package to educate employees.

Drawbacks of eLearning

Like any other learning experience eLearning is not without its drawbacks. There are still a few limitations to eLearning that might cause users to reject eLearning programs. One example is that users need to have access to the internet and the proper software required. Users also need to be fairly sufficient in using a computer and the eLearning program they are working with. Users with entry level computer skills may find eLearning software to be too complex and easily become frustrated.

 Another setback with eLearning can be found in the program design. If the information users are learning is irrelevant to the learning objective the system will be ineffective. Administrators must be sure the information being conveyed is useful and clearly satisfies the learning objective. If the information is unclear or irrelevant users may become bored with the interaction.

Other drawbacks with eLearning center around users rather than eLearning programs. Some users are “hands-on” learners and may become easily discouraged with this type of learning style. ELearning also requires users to be highly independent and responsible involving a great deal of time and self-management. Because eLearning entails an independent learning atmosphere, users do not have the support they would naturally have in a traditional learning environment. Users may feel help is inaccessible especially if the program lacks the proper instructions necessary. 

Benefits of eTraining for Businesses

The most obvious benefit of eTraining is the savings.  Businesses no longer have to pay management (who take time away from their normal business activities) or expensive instructors to train employees.  There is also a major cost benefit associated with reduced traveling expenses and time spent away from work by business team members.  Employees and administration are easily able to access a company eTraining program from any location at any time. 

Another significant cost benefit of implementing eTraining for businesses would be the cost per trainee. These programs are not based on volume which means no matter how many employees are trained using the system the cost will be the same.  After a business reaches its breakeven point there is no cost to train additional employees. In essence if a business is able to utilize eTraining properly, in time it will pay for itself and the cost of training employees will be zero with the exception of maintenance cost.

A few other benefits that most people don’t consider are the flexibility and consistency for users. As I mentioned previously employees and administration have access to this program at all times and may do so from any location. Employees are able to train on site and avoid peak business hours by starting and stopping training as they see fit. The individual worker is also able to skip over what he already knows, tailoring the training to his individual needs.

Although the training is customized in a sense to the individual employee the knowledge is not. With eTraining businesses do not have to worry if instructors or management are being consistent and the same information is being passed on to every employee trained. When using eTraining all the information is consistent and is easily updated. Businesses are not only able to make changes as they see fit with great ease but are also able to keep close eye on the progress of employees strengths and weaknesses to ensure everyone is trained to meet the same standards.