CBT on the fast track

ABSTRACT

This presentation describes a strategy for creating customizable computer-based training (CBT) materials quickly. The writers of the CBT materials are expected to be familiar with document creation tools, but might have relatively little experience with CBT authoring tools.The keys to the strategy are modularity and recycling. Training materials created for print are adapted, first for passive online presentation, then for interactive computer-based training. In each adaptation, the materials are modified to suit a different environment or application of the product being described. The subject matter and educational objectives are not modified.The presentation will discuss the rationale for the recommended strategy and outline the steps in the process by which it is executed, illustrating the process with examples.

REFERENCES

• 1: Friesen, Kaye and Associates. 1996. Designing Instruction Workbook: 81.
• 2: Horton, William. 1998. "Design Once: Use Again and Again and Again...," STC Society for Technical Communication 1998 Proceedings: 13.
• 3: William Horton, Designing and writing online documentation (2nd ed.): hypermedia for self-supporting products, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 1994
• 4: Lash, Russell. 1997. "Rapid CBT Development: Fact or Fiction?" Interactive '97 Proceedings: 357.
• 5: Rockley, Ann. 1997. "'Determining the Right Training and Documentation Solution." Interactive '97 Proceedings: 291-298.
• 6: Warlum, Michael F. 1997. "Creating Effective Computer-Based Training Screens," Intercom, volume 44, issue 10: 4-9.
• 7: Zeilinski. 1997. "Good-bye Storyboards.- A New Approach to Multimedia Development." Interactive '97 Proceedings: 281.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Training

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Training, help, and documentation

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
computer-based training, demonstrations, interactivity, modularity, rapid updates, repurposing information, reusability