Question

Technology has allowed learning to become a more dynamic process… the trainer may help design the instruction, but the instruction is delivered to the learners primarily through technology such as online learning, simulations, iPods, or iPads.” (Noe, 2017) The challenge with technology is finding a balance and understanding the tools that are available to you. How have new technologies made it easier to learn? What are their benefits and limitations to technology within the field of training? What factors should be considered to overcome the limitations? Why? How do they facilitate transfer of training?

Answer 1

Technology has made information readily available. Technology has been the platform to usher internet access. Due to easy access to internet, it is possible to receive and transmit information in variety of form across the globe. This means that variety of information in variety of form (text, sound, and video) are available easily today. This has made it easier for us to learn about diverse topics and subjects.

The benefit of technology to training is that it has made carrying and propagating information easily. It has also made training a more a systematic approach. It has cut across geographies as now training can be delivered online in addition to conventional means.

The limitation of technology is that the motivation of the trainee is still the key factor the success of the training. Also technology can only help in imparting the training knowledge in different ways. It does not necessarily improve anyone’s chance of acquiring better skill.

In order to overcome the limitation we need to consider the alignment between the content of the training and objective of the trainee. If these two elements are in sync then the training will be successful. This means the content of the training should be able to help the trainee learn the new skills required for him/her to reach his goal. This is where transfer of training takes place.