The Computer Based Training part of the CBT Wing is very active in developing Computer Based Training Packages for the SA Army Combat Training Centre, the SA Army and some of the packages can be used Defence Force wide.

Currently various packages are in use through out the Defence Force

Herewith a few important aspects regarding electronic learning:

• Benefits – company
  • Deliverables are cheap (CD or Intranet or server) in comparison with paper, files, classroom, trainers, S & T, etc.
  • Maintenance of learning material is easy and inexpensive
  • Standardisation of training as you have one central development and delivery point
  • Effective usage of time and focus of existing facilitators
  • Huge cut on trainer and trainee time, costs
  • CBT will satisfy all the different learning styles
  • Learning material will be designed outcomes-based to be aligned with the NQF –(accreditation)
  • Monitor each learner’s progress the way you want
  • Correlation between assessment and outcomes set
  • Administration of records to one central point for easy access

• Benefits – learner
  • Learning at own time, pace
  • Learning at any place, not necessarily classroom or fixed venue
  • Learning material available any time of day
  • Flexible design to accommodate 1^st time users to advanced users
  • Design will accommodate all 4 learning styles
  • Learning material will be designed according to adult learning principles
  • Learner will be able to redo modules, exercises in order to achieve a certain outcome
  • Learning time will be reduced
  • Always available for new incumbents or learners
  • Learning will be interactive, participative with immediate feedback/guidance/hints or remedial information
  • Retention of subject matter will be increased with approximately 60% as to other methods
  • Learning material will be tested for readability – fog index
  • Learning will be structured, chunked, sequenced to ensure desired outcome

• The following is a table to explain why CBT is an excellent method to transfer learning:

                                        Classroom             CBT

Process followed

• Initial research to get holistic picture and decide on strategy, target population, platforms, etc.
• Compile definition report, project plan, contract.
• Research and analyse content – outcomes
• Design and write content on storyboard (screen by screen on paper)
• Client signs off storyboard
• Develop prototype of 10 – 20 screens to ensure client is happy with look & feel
• Develop graphics, animation, etc. and do programming
• Formative evaluation throughout learning material’s development process and a summative evaluation with user group at end of development.
• Maintenance – ongoing and negotiated as client needs

• Time
  • We prefer the client to indicate time, costs and quality as business priorities in order to get to project costs
  • All "lessons" vary in complexity of design and programming, flexibility, interactivity, etc. therefore costs need to negotiated according to subject matter and the desired learning solution required.