In the age of knowledge economy or information economy, both organizations and individuals need to continuously re-charge their brain power to survive in a ever-changing business environment. Computer-based training offers a viable option to revive our knowledge. It is estimated that our knowledge is obsolete at a rate of 20% a year. Meaning that if you don’t acquire new knowledge for a year, you’re far behind your industry, and if you failed to obtain necessary training for two years, you’ll likely be out of your jobs. More and more organizations utilize computer-based training for various training needs. There are a few options for computer based training.

On-site computer training - Training courses are offered in a lab-setting. Trainees can use various options for training - training software, books and hardware if needed. On-site training is a must for the ones that require hands-on experience. For instance, computer techniques who work on A+ certification would benefits from on-site training.

Video-based training - If you are not able to attend a training in a lab or the hands-on experience is not required, Video-based training is more cost effective. For instance, most organizations use video-based training for ISO training.

Training Software - While video-based training lack of interactivity, training software is able to simulate lab settings without physical equipment. Training with interactive software allows trainees do and try things before they perform the same or similar tasks in the lab or in the real working environment.

Online computer training - Compared with training software, online training has a few advantages. Firs of all, online training content is regularly updated by the training vendors. Secondly, you don’t have to own or install training software, and all you need is a computer with Internet connection. The cost of online training is far less than other types of computer based training.

The options of computer training that work best for you is dependent on 1) availability, 2) cost and 3) the subjects of the training. Not all training options are suitable for all types of subjects.