By BILL BOOTH and KEVIN MILAN
Budget cuts and staff reductions are forcing departments to find better, more manageable ways of delivering training. Only a few years ago, private companies offered training programs as "slide presentations"; in reality, most were paper slides with a few pictures thrown in. A couple of years later, software-based Computer Based Training (CBT) was introduced. Through these difficult times, one constant remains: The job is still as difficult and as dangerous as ever, and the quality of training must never be diminished. Training and education using CBTs will expand, improve, and become an everyday part of every training program.
Can a recruit learn to climb a ladder using a computer? Probably not. However, can the same recruit learn to read hazardous materials placard signs? Absolutely. So, the solution comes down to this: Some training must be handled on the drill ground, some in the classroom, and some online. In the very near future (if not already), many departments will create a training atmosphere by blending training.
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