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Topics in a Nutshell
The first chapter gives an introduction to web-based training (WBT). Horton discusses the history of WBT and how the development of distance learning, Internet technologies, and computer-conveyed education made it such a successful way of communicating instructions. It later discusses the failure of many early attempts at WBT (in which the author calls horseless carriage syndrome). Many people thought that as long as content was on the web, it could be called WBT. So many people would dump all of their classroom materials online and expect students to learn from it. The author later discussed the growth of the web and how WBT is growing just as rapidly. Many corporations are shifting to WBT to save money and time. Universities and colleges are also moving to WBT technology, in which a report concluded that almost half of U.S. universities and colleges provide some form of education online. Another important topic is when the author talks about how the book is about design. He feels that most people think design is what occurs only at the beginning of a project. But in reality, design is a process and is ongoing throughout the development process.

The second chapter discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of WBT. Some of the advantages include savings of travel cost, and no need to use any facilities such as classrooms, chairs, desks, tables, whiteboards, etc, reduced administrative costs, big savings for organizations. Other advantages include improvement of learning, such as exposing learners to the real-world data, providing a more in-depth learning experience, developing better thinking skills, letting learners reflect before responding, promoting collaborative learning, using effective learning technologies, and helping learners identify knowledge resources. Although there are great deals of advantages, there are also disadvantages of WBT, such as more instructor effect (40% - 50% more for electronic delivery compared to classroom instructions), longer conversion efforts than expected (converting existing classroom courses to WBT), more effort required for learners, and superb instructional design and production required. Other disadvantages include impersonal (lack of face-to-face contact) distance learning, technical requirements are difficult to meet, disrupts established ways that work, and some professionals may feel threatened by WBT.

Suggested Quick-check Questions

1. Are web-based instructions (WBT) for everyone?
   Web-based training is not for everyone. Some learners just prefer a traditional, classroom setting for learning. They enjoy the person-to-person interaction, which WBT just doesn't offer. Some learners are also afraid of WBT because they are not familiar to technology which may handicap their learning experience.
   
2. Can WBT be more effective as classroom instructions?
   I think WBT can be just as effective as classroom instructions. By providing solid instructions and social interactions, WBT give students more flexibility in their learning. They can learn at any time and at any place they please. Students can also reflect on their learning (through e-mail and discussion boards).