Web-Based Training: Using Technology to Design Adult Learning Experiences

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Summary: The web-based training book for everyone!
Review: As far as I know, this is the first book on this subject that's equally useful for tech and non-tech folks. Most other web-based training books have lots of technical detail -- and they become obsolete in three months!

But Driscoll sticks to core points (gauging the needs of your learners, etc.), so her book has a "timeless" feel. Anyone interested in investigating web-based training should pick up this book. It's a classic!

Rating:
Summary: There isn't much that's new here.
Review: For those already familiar with the design of instruction, there's not much new here. It's a very basic book that doesn't stray far from basic instructional design, with little information that's really web-specific. I believe the author's definition of what constitutes a web-based learning experience is too limiting as is her definition of what constitutes good and bad WBT. I felt that the author's opinions were too often expressed as facts, which may be misleading for the novice to either WBT or instructional design. It reads more like a report by a journalist or academic, who although she's definitely researched the topic, has no deep understanding of it, or practical experience. At least none demonstrated within the confines of the book. It's also written in a very redundant style. I believe it's overpriced for the value it delivers. It might be an acceptable choice for a introductory college class, if used in conjunction with resources providing more detailed/alternative views. A better choice for a business-world practitioner would be Brandon Hall's Web-based Training Cookbook.

Rating:
Summary: To WBT or not to WBT
Review: I am an instructional designer for a software development company in Boston. We have at least four copies of Ms. Driscoll's book in the department. It's given us a common vocabulary and structure for planning our WBT training strategy. It's helping us make decisions on when to use WBT, and which WBT tools we should use for various training programs. Highly recommended.

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Summary: Use this as a guide for your development !
Review: If you are planning any type of computer training, this book can serve as a step by step guide. It has worksheets and practical guidelines in the book that are replicated in a Microsoft Word format on the CD so that you can simply copy and use the format. They even include demonstrative PowerPoint presentations on the CD to help you setup kick-off meetings, design team meetings and an executive overview strategy.

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Summary: Enjoyed the Book, Look Forward to Using It!
Review: Margaret Driscoll's " Web-based Training, Using Technology to Design Adult Learning Experiences," provides the experienced ID or IT professional an authoritative and useful guide to developing a successful Internet training program. Only two suggestions are made on how to improve this guide. More information on the characteristics of the adult learner could be added, and a separate chapter covering Project Management for web-based training development would be a valuable topic for many readers (especially covering budgeting, resource selection, and scheduling). However, Ms. Driscoll speaks with an authoritative voice, does it clearly, and provides the information in a format that is easy to use. Margaret Driscoll also addresses the importance of curriculum quality, a message that should be voiced more often in our IT degree programs, "Web-based training is about training. This seems obvious, but it is not clear in many WBT programs. It is too easy to be caught up in the hype and hoopla of the technology, and lose sight of designing effective training" (Driscoll, 1998, pg. 234). This fine book would serve well as the basic textbook for a college level course on web-based training.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed the Book, Look Forward to Using It!
Review: Margaret Driscoll's " Web-based Training, Using Technology to Design Adult Learning Experiences," provides the experienced ID or IT professional an authoritative and useful guide to developing a successful Internet training program. Only two suggestions are made on how to improve this guide. More information on the characteristics of the adult learner could be added, and a separate chapter covering Project Management for web-based training development would be a valuable topic for many readers (especially covering budgeting, resource selection, and scheduling). However, Ms. Driscoll speaks with an authoritative voice, does it clearly, and provides the information in a format that is easy to use. Margaret Driscoll also addresses the importance of curriculum quality, a message that should be voiced more often in our IT degree programs, "Web-based training is about training. This seems obvious, but it is not clear in many WBT programs. It is too easy to be caught up in the hype and hoopla of the technology, and lose sight of designing effective training" (Driscoll, 1998, pg. 234). This fine book would serve well as the basic textbook for a college level course on web-based training.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful tool, guide and reference!
Review: Some books are more comprehesive; some are more opinionated if more focused. I found this one in between the two, and also dated.

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Summary: Why to Buy This Book
Review: There is only one good reason to buy this book: it is required for your degree plan. It tries to cover instructional design and web based training, but does neither well. For example, Driscoll spends a lot of text explaining the difference between a Virtual Synchronous Classroom and a Virtual Asynchronous Classroom. She describes each in great detail. The difference: in the first, all students participate simultaneously; in the second, they participate at their own convenience. For instructors, the difference lies in the amount of time spent monitoring the class. Other topics are chunked to the point of becoming meaningless.

After six years of higher education and 10 years training adults, this is only the second book I have ever wanted to sell at the end of a semester.

...END

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful tool, guide and reference!
Review: This book is essential for developing web-based instruction. The worksheets and checklists provide the guidelines necessary for meeting project deadlines as well as the information necessary for success. "Web-Based Training" supplies the novice with the fundamentals and the professional with educational reminders and helpful tools. I would recommend this book to anyone who is creating, developing or evaluating web-based training.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding learning aid AND toolkit
Review: Web-Based Training by Driscoll is outstanding because it puts the mechanics of web-based training into the context of good learning design. Too often the principles of instructional design are ommitted from resouces like this one. Driscoll provides the reader with the needed conceptual understanding, and then follows through with practical "how-to" tools to guide the reader through the process. Superb resource.