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Web-based Training (WBT)

  
 

What is WBT?

Web-based Training (WBT) is the use of the Web in instruction and has become the term used to describe a wide range of learning that is both synchronous and asynchronous. Web-based training sometimes refers to CBTs that have been updated to be delivered over the web, but more often refers to a whole range of courses that are designed to be delivered over the web. As the word training implies, this term is more often used in the training community than in academic circles.

 

Learn More about WBT
 

Web-based training offerings are dominated by software and other technical training. Overall, however, the biggest users of web-based training are the military and healthcare professions. If you have other sites you'd like me to feature, please email the training resource library.
 

Web-Based Training Information Center - Get information about WBT from a guru in the field. According to his site, he coined the term web-based training.

Web-based training: doing it for yourself - Another site that provides an introduction to creating WBT.
 

 

Popular WBT Development Tools
 

WBTs can be developed by one of many training development companies or can be developed using some popular tools. Each of these tools has its benefits and drawbacks.
 
Flash MX - Flash is the most popular tool for delivering media over the web. It has also become the most popular tool for delivering web-based training. It is not for the light of heart however. It takes some understanding of scripting. If you buy it, sign up for some training at the same time.
Captivate is a product that eLearning powerhouse Macromedia to compete with Camtasia. Macromedia has shown itself to be a leader and Captivate is no exception. This is a software demonstration tool like Camtasia, but is much more powerful and easy to use. It records where you click, identifies the fields and page names and adds text boxes that are usually pretty accurate. Basically, it automates much of what was time consuming with other tools.

Camtasia - There are several products on the market that have similar capabilities. These tools allow you to capture your interactions with software and add voice. Newest versions also allow you a wide variety of editing and production tools. One of the best features of these tools is the ability to produce a Flash format file. With a Flash file, you get interactive, animated, and low-bandwidth presentations. Camtasia has a great production interface called Camtasia Studio that allows you to edit your presentation.
Screen Shot Deluxe - You may also need a tool to do still screen captures for software demos. This tools is affordable and from a respected company.

Authorware - To some this is the reigning parent of all the CBT development tools. For many types of CBT development it remains the tool that will give you a high degree of flexibility and options. As a result, it is also one of the hardest to use. To fully use its functionality, you will need to understand some of its internal programming language.
 

Web-based Training Bookshelf

The following books may prove useful if you would learn more about WBTs.