Technology-Based Training Methods essay 
The Impact of Technology on the Learning Environment
One of the most notable impacts of technology on the learning environment is the improved acquisition of languages. Students using the existing technological innovations in their learning environment show increases in language development unlike those who learn strictly in traditional contexts. Primarily, technology promotes the acquisition of language in various ways. First, it facilitates efficient access to digital presentations such as videos, images and audio texts. In this way, it becomes easier for a student to memorize the content than when using textual information alone. Besides, digital technologies have enhanced features that allow an immediate playback and response. Therefore, the student has faster and easier access to different presentations and instructions than when using text-based materials. Secondly, the use of the Internet and video links may increase the authenticity of learning materials. In essence, technology allows students to access authentic materials such as literature sources that are rich in linguistic and other relevant cultural information. On the other hand, the availability of video materials improves the understanding level of students because they incorporate such features as full captions, key words, and speech slowdowns. In this case, the learner has an opportunity to read easier and increase his or her comprehension of a particular material. Students can also engage in different forms of electronic communication such as e-mails and chat rooms. It enhances an interactive process among them, and they can use it as a way to share learning ideas.
Furthermore, technology increases the motivation level of learners. It provides them with an opportunity to see the relevance of their assignments and assess the teacher’s feedback. Technology allows students to do research online and use a CD-ROM to access topics they are interested in. They can also navigate through web pages to be more informed and at the same time engage other learners. In fact, when students have an array of choices to complete their tasks, then such assignments become more interesting and motivating. In relation to this, technology has a positive impact on improving test scores students, particularly, with the use of digital videos. Learners have become more confident and communicate their ideas on solving complex assignments effectively. They are also independent learners with skills necessary for distance learning in the emerging era of technology. More interestingly, because technology has a significant impact on improving motivation among students, it helps in decreasing absenteeism and rates of dropouts. Technology can also provide students with the means to interact with each other and their teachers through emails and chat rooms. It also helps teachers to understand and use varying styles of learning among students.
Learning Outcomes Suited for Mobile Learning
Learning outcomes of a particular course determine the type of learning and teaching strategy to be used. Secondly, the objectives of a lesson should indicate what the learner is expected to do after completing it. The learning outcomes that are best suited for mobile learning should purposely focus on the learning environment. The most important of all is the knowledge that students will gain and acquire. In addition, appropriate learning should motivate learners and cater for their differences to promote meaningful learning. It should also enhance the ability of students to think analytically and to encourage a collaborative interaction in the classroom. The mode of mobile learning should involve different learning styles that will help the learner to receive and respond to instructions in the learning environment. This outcome should be considered deeply because each individual has a distinct difference in his or her approach to learning.
On a further note, in order to ensure learners are kept engaged in mobile learning, the following outcomes must be considered. It should maintain the attention of students, motivate them, and identify difficulties that hinder the satisfaction with learning. It should be meaningful and interactive to enable students to have control of their learning process. Therefore, to accommodate different learning styles, the approach to mobile learning should involve a variety of ways aimed at enhancing visual, audio, and interactive thinking. The objective of this approach is to provide opportunities for distance learners to be able to select the most desired form of content and learn according to their own pace and time.
Potential Problems with Using Virtual Reality Technology for Training
The use of virtual reality has resulted into significant improvements in training programs. As compared with the traditional approach, it is more effective and interactive. However, there are challenges that face its efficient use. They include increased rates of enrollment, lack of adequate financial support, and meeting the training needs of both the learner and the faculty. Moreover, there is a need to change learning and teaching strategies in order to exploit the opportunities of technology. Training programs must respond to challenges of meeting the demands of the learner and properly utilize technology to avoid the loss of students to other institutions.
Virtual reality has not been utilized to its fullest potential because educators are still striving to implement the existing traditional programs. In some cases, there are misunderstandings about the proper use of virtual learning environments, which lead to the poor integration of technology into training programs. Secondly, some students lack basic skills of using the computer, and thus instructors are forced to change their approach to giving instructions.On the other hand, web-based training programs may have to gain adequate support among some institutions in order to ensure that the quality of instructions remains the highest. The demand and competition can prompt organizations to invest in resources to improve and expand web-based instructional offerings. There are also cases of students dropping out of online courses due to issues related to personal resilience, lack of support, and poorly designed courses.
Distance Learning
The use of distance education technologies has become more common in training programs over the past few decades. For a long time, distance learning has faced challenges in making students and courses fit into the virtual reality. However, the current trends are designed in a way that facilitates the immediate presence of instructors and students. Secondly, adequate training must be coupled with a thorough understanding of the technologies that are utilized. Technical support departments must exist for students and faculties to facilitate a level of involvement of the two. Besides, education programs used in distance learning are student-centered with assignments closely aligned with course objectives and learning outcomes. Online education programs should also be well-designed to improve processes like evaluation, assessment, and guidance.
The technology used in distance learning should be constructed for information to be stored in the long-term memory called a schema. It will allow learners to utilize this knowledge easily without being bogged down on the limitations of working memory. The schema can be accessed in working memory as a single unit, and there is no limit to the amount of information that can be processed. In this way, students can complete a task with a minimal conscious effort. Therefore, this design will help in reducing the rates of students transferring from one institution to another in seeking relevant training programs. The use of this technology ensures that the class time is used efficiently in answering questions. Primarily, the student will demonstrate how to work with examples that are directly related to the problem domain.
The Role of the Manager in Facilitating Effective Online Learning
Effective online learning requires the learner to have additional items such as printers, reference books, and computer disks. Therefore, in the learning center, the manager has the responsibility to ensure there is adequate availability of technological means needed to facilitate an effective online learning process. It is also important for the manager to ensure that learners are proficient in the basic computer programs such as Microsoft Office and electronic mailing.The manager should also emphasize the need for students to follow a regular schedule. It will help them stay up to date with classroom work. On a further note, most online courses post a biographical sketch of the instructor within the course. It is valuable information that can influence the grades of learners, and the manager should help them to be acquainted with their instructors before beginning a course. It also helps to avoid misconceptions. For instance, if the instructor states that he or she should be contacted through an email, then it is not advisable to call in order to pose questions. It is important to understand how and when to contact the instructor.
In relation to employees, the manager should ensure that they have required training materials such as workbooks and disks prior to training. He or she should also be aware of learning outcomes to ensure that the targeted employees will use online courses to achieve those goals. Moreover, the availability of visual aids is important to maximize the possibility of the application of training to a work situation. It is also a realistic way to improve the motivation of employees to perceive online training as a learning curve to increase their skills. The manager should ensure that employees follow the schedule. However, he or she should be patient to let them work at their own pace.
Conclusion
Technology has made a significant impact on the learning environment. The use of visual aids has helped students in the acquisition of language and knowledge. It has also facilitated the interactive process between learners and teachers; this has played a role in improving their motivation. In line with this, learning outcomes should be followed to facilitate the effective use of virtual reality technology. It should motivate learners considering their differences to promote an interactive learning process. On the flipside, the use of technology in distance learning faces such challenges as a lack of adequate financial support and meeting training demands. Therefore, the design of programs should enhance the evaluation and assessment of the learning environment. The manager should ensure that learners and employees follow the schedules and objectives of online learning.
