Thursday, March 4, 2010

9 Benefits of Multi-Media Learning Technology

By EP-Tec Solutions Sdn Bhd


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What is Multi-media?Multi-media training uses computer technology to immerse learners into training content. Text, graphics, illustrations, photographic images, animation, full-motion video, narration, music and sound effects are used to create an engaging learning environment that can train employees consistently, economically and with better learning and retention.How will Multi-media learning benefit your organization?

1. Reduced Learning TimeMulti-media courseware is an efficient way to deliver training content. Training content equivalent to a two-day traditional lecture can be delivered in as little as two hours using multi-media. More than 30 studies have found that multi-media training reduces learning time by 40 to 60 percent over traditional training methods. A major cost of training is the time employees are away from their work. Reduced training time means less time away from the job and lower training costs.

2. Instructional ConsistencyMulti-media training programs instruct learners with the same material, presented in the same manner, from learner to learner. Each learner will receive the same consistent, technically correct message. Computer-based courseware does not have bad days or tire out at the end of a long day. Training content is delivered in a consistent, reliable manner that does not change in quality from class to class, instructor to instructor, or one company location to another.

3. Flexible Training SchedulesMulti-media training allows the presentation of quality training to an entire workforce, including shift, temporary and part-time workers. This training is especially suited to companies with a high staff turnover or those growing at a rapid pace. Multi-media training is available in the workplace 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be delivered at a time that benefits both the learner and the company.Multi-media training can be scheduled to fit employee or production schedules, eliminating production down-time. Flexible training delivery allows new employees to start training immediately, and existing employees to refresh their skills at any time. Employees will often take training courses before or after their normal shifts and management can make good use of unexpected quiet periods.Hundreds of thousands of training dollars are saved by organizations that invest in the development of on demand multi-media courseware.

4. Increased Retention Levels and MotivationMulti-media training allows the learner to be actively involved in the learning process. This interactivity reinforces the training content and helps the learner to retain the training message. Multi-media training enables the user to continually go back to it in order to reinforce messages rather than doing the training just once. The training itself can also be used as an ongoing reference tool.Multi-media training provides a level of responsive feedback and individual involvement that has proven to be highly motivating. Courseware allows learners to focus their attention on the training content, reducing the potential for distraction.Studies have shown that learners who listen to information will only recall 25% of that material. If they hear and see the material, they will remember 50%. However, learners who hear, see and interact with the material during the learning process will remember 75% of the material. Multi-media training allows learners to take greater control of their own learning process. Learners can move through courseware content at a comfortable pace.

5. Cater to Individual Learning StylesMulti-media training allows learners, who typically have different abilities and knowledge levels, to control the pace and direction of their training. As learners discover new areas of interest and accomplishment, they become seekers of knowledge, not just recipients of instruction. It is not practical to provide that level of customization in traditional classroom training.Traditional learning methods typically focus on one learning style at a time. By using graphics, audio, and interactive activities, multi-media training can fit a range of learning styles including visual, auditory and experiential. Multi-media training adapts itself to each student, provides realistic content and increases knowledge retention rates.

6. Testing of Learning ProficiencyMulti-media training programs use pre and post assessments as well as mastery and graded quizzes to demonstrate to the learner their level of proficiency in the training content. Quizzes help learners to know which areas they need to review. Tests can measure competency of the subject matter; computer-based testing allows for instant results to the learner; and data can be statistically analyzed as needed. Testing large numbers of employees can be done efficiently and cost effectively.

7. Low Cost Per StudentThe upfront investment in multi-media courseware development will give your organization substantial reduction in employee training costs and employee training time. Multi-media training has a low cost per learner with lower delivery costs because the primary costs are in courseware design and production. The costs of replication, distribution and course delivery, which are recurring costs in traditional training, are reduced or eliminated with multi-media training. The ongoing costs of training are substantially reduced, and the cost per learner goes down with each additional learner.

8. On-the-job Safety and HealthMulti-media training allows learners to study potentially dangerous topics without risk. Interactive content lets learners see the results of their actions and become skilled at proper methods and procedures while learning how to work safely at their job. Training your employees to do the job right reduces waste, increases productivity and prevents incidents.

9. Training RecordsA benefit of multi-media training is its ability to test and track the progress of the learner. Data such as the learner�s progress, time spent in the courseware, and test results can be tracked and monitored.Overcoming the challenges of efficiency and productivity in the office is easy and rewarding through multi-media learning. By implementing an on-demand learning program, everyone benefits from flexible learning schedules, increased morale and lower training costs. And the peace of mind you�ll gain by having a record of accountability is a bonus you won�t want to do without. Guide your organization in the right direction, and commit to learning something new every day!

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