Chapter 8 Homework Assignment

1. Explain how technology has changed the learning environment.
   
   New technology has changed the learning enviornment in many different ways including the costs associated with training and the effectives of the learning environment. Employees can now access training materials from anywhere via the web and also choose the type of material they want to study. Because of digital collaboration, training can given to employees in different geographic locations instead of everyone coming to a central location. New technology also allows for better communication between trainer and trainee.
   
2. What are some advantages and disadvantages of multimedia training?
   
   Advantages of multimedia training are that it is self-paced, it offers unlimited accessibility, it provides privacy and also gives immediate feedback. Disadvantages of mulitmedia training are that it is very expensive, trainees may not know how to utilized the multimedia being presented, and can be ineffective for certain content.
   
3. Why would a company use a combination of face-to-face instruction and Web-based training?
   
   A company would use a combination like this to give their employees social interaction with others, developing better face-to-face communication; while at the same time it allows for self-directed learning and simulations of real life expriences.
   
4. Using the Web, further investigate any new technology discussed in Chapter 8. Find information describing the technology, hints for developing and purchasing the technology, and examples of companies marketing and/or using the technology. Include Web addresses in your summary.
   
   Ipod's are digital media players that can trainees can use to take information with them wherever they go. One company using the ipod is Trinity Workplace Learning, which will offer training and education content. The PDA School offers live training with PDA's and offers many businesses the chance to train employees on Palm, Blackberry, and PocketPC. TeamSpace is marketing their vitual online office to businesses around the globe for project planning and coordination, connection of mobile employees, and support for work groups.
   
   http://www.internetnews.com/ent-news/article.php/3571426
   http://www.thepdaschool.com/Business.htm
   http://www.teamspace.com/groupware-examples.html

Chapter 7 Homework Assignment

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the lecture, the case study, self-directed learning, and simulations?
   
   For lectures, strengths include that is is least expensive, least time consuming and presents large amounts of information efficiently. Weaknesses of the lecture are a lack of participating, feedback and connection to trainees work environment. It also inhibits the trainers ability to judge the trainees level of understanding. Strengths of the case study are that it provides trainees with the opportunity to analyze certain job related situations and serves for better communicationbetween employees. Weaknesses of the case study would be that any preexisting cases may not directly relate to work experience, negating the purpose of case studies. Strengths of self-directed learning are the the trainee is responsible for all aspects of learning, and move at their own pace which means less money spent on trainers. The disadvantages of self-directed learning are that the trainee must be willing ot learn the material, and must learn it correctly. Some strengths of simulations are the real life situations that can be presented to trainees, which allows for fewer errors in the workplace. The weakness of simulations are the costs of creating real life equipment to simulate the workplace, and constant updates to the equipment.
   
2. What are the components of effective team performance? How might training strengthen these components?
   
   The three components of effective team performance are behavior, knowledge, and attitude. Training can strengthen the behavior component by allowing trainees to communicate wiht others and adapt to tough situations. Knowledge can be strengthened by training because trainees must have the required knowledge in order to complete tasks. Attitudes can be improved as a result of training because it allows trainees to work as teams, coordinating their efforts.
   
3. Discuss the steps of an action learning program. Which aspects of action learning do you think is most beneficial for learning? Which is most beneficial for transfer of training? Explain why.
   
   The steps of an action learning program are identifying sponsors, the problem or issue, the group who can address the problem, and coaches can help the problem solving by offering feed back. Then, there is the presentation of the problem to the group, followed by group discussion, data gathering and analysis as a group, group presentation on how to solve the problem, and lastly self-reflection and debriefing.
   
   

Chapter 5 Homework Assignment

1. Consider three time periods (pre-training, during training, and after training) and three parties involved in transfer of training (manager, trainer, trainee). Construct a matrix showing what each party can do to facilitate transfer of training at each time period.

Pre-training:
Manager
- emphasize the importance of the training program
- stress the application of training content to the job
Trainer
- establish goals for training
Trainee
- help in the design of the training process
- set up a peer network

During Training:
Manager
- allows trainees to practice
- participate as a trainer
- discuss progress with trainees
Trainer
- give employees real-life, meaningful examples
Trainee
- pay attention
- participate in the process

After Training:
Manager
- keep encouraging employees to perform based on learning
Trainer
- follow up on employee performance
Trainee
- share learned knowledge with other employees
- implement the learned skills into daily tasks

2. What could be done to increase the likelihood of transfer of training if the work environment conditions are unfavorable and cannot be changed?

You could try to implement training that will not rely on the current work environment to succeed. If there is no way for managers to effectively communicate the benefits of training, allow experienced employees to communicate these benefits throughout the workplace. If finding the time to train employees is an issue, allow employees to make their own time.


3. Discuss how trainees can support each other so that transfer of training occurs.

They can form a support network and discuss their progress with the training program. They can offer advice on how to be successful in the training process, or provide other trainees experience in coping with interference in the work environment.

4. What technologies might be useful for ensuring transfer of training? Briefly describe each technology and how it could be used.

A blog/wiki within a company might be very useful in that it would facilitate the transfer of training by allowing trainers or trainees to post information about the training process, what they learned, and what benefited them the most. E-mail is also a useful tool in that employees can communicate with the trainer or manager about the training process. This could keep employees up to speed on training and make them feel as if they are a part of the process.


5. What is knowledge? Why is knowledge important? How can companies manage knowledge?

Knowledge is what employees know or know how to do. Knowledge is important because the knowledge of employees allows them to successfully or unsuccessfully perform tasks on the job. Companies can manage knowledge by allowing employees to reference directories that list what employees do and how they can be contacted. Also, they can let employees give presentations to other employees about what they have learned from training programs. They can also allow employees to receive time off of work to attend training.