n the past few years, certain common trends have emerged in the market for computing training. In the face of difficult economic situations, the corporate sector has started implementing a host of measures aimed at streamlining investments in computer training as well as the personnel who deliver the training. In fact, one study notes that 13% of all training is delivered through online means. Some of the major trends observed in the world of computer training are:
1. In-House Expertise: Increasingly, corporate are migrating to delivering computer training by its own employees rather than hire external faculty or qualified trainers to do the job. The trend here is to depend more on talent found inside the organization instead of those outside it. However, it is felt in some circles that since employees who deliver computer training are more of subject matter experts than trainers, there is a gap that needs to be filled by organizations in term of professional IT training. As a result, it is observed nowadays that external trainers are being brought in by organizations to train their internal computer training experts on soft skills such as communication, leadership skills and developing effective training material.
2. Focus on Self-Learning: Compared to the bias towards theoretical input prevalent earlier, there is a rising focus on 'learning by doing'. This is being made possible by on-the-job IT training programs that place a lot of important on teaching aids such as CDs, online assignments, and interactive software to learn computers. The preferred media in this case is the use of Self-Learning within organizations as well as online tutorials.
3. Individualized Training: As opposed to group training modules that organizations have used for years, there is a rising trend of computer training being delivered on a customized basis to individuals. This is more so since with increasing time, people prefer more individual attention and training that has been created to suit their needs instead of generic training that is more applicable at the entry level.
4. Need-Based Training: There have been cases in the past when organizations have delivered random group-based computing training without evaluating if it is the best way to deliver training or not. This is no longer the situation. Nowadays, employees are given computer training more when they need it than being given compulsory training at fixed intervals. This just-in-time method of training has helped reduce the gap between the time the training is administered and the time the employee is able to practically implement the skills learnt during the training.
5. Dedicated Resource Centers: Instead of depending largely on continuously training its employees, an organization these days prefers to make available a dedicated resource center for its employees on computer training. These resources are created on more of a self-tutorial mode that allows employees to access a database of the latest training material, at the click of a button. These resources also reduce the dependence on a dedicated training department that has large cost implications.
The world of computer training has been changing rapidly in the past few years in keeping with the changes in the corporate world across the globe. It remains to be seen how traditional organizations cope with the change and mold computer training needs with the changing times.
