Computer Based Instruction
Computer User, July, 1996

Info For You

Training programs that you can run on your computer are convenient tool for advancing learning at your own pace. Diskette-based programs are still popular, especially on older machines without sound cards and CD-ROM drives. However, many disk-based programs are now overshadowed by multimedia, by such interactive CD-ROM tutorials as Peter Norton Presents Windows 95 Made Easy from Personal Training Systems of Menlo Park, California; and by an expanding array of tutorials covering other software.

But there are still some interesting options in computer-based training that will run on a 386, as well as on the "or better" machines that may not yet be on your desk. For example, PTS Learning Systems of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has two different approaches that can help you master a software application while working at your PC.

One approach uses "an on-demand, context-sensitive program that runs concurrently with the user's application." The other approach is built around "a free-standing computer-based training (CBT) configuration." Within these two approaches, PTS also offers three learning methods. One is a "demo" mode that shows you how to carry out an operation and jazzes up the presentation with text, graphics, sound, and animation. The "teacher" mode, meanwhile, uses the same tools but lets you complete an operation in a simulated environment that will not crash your machine if you make a mistake. Finally, the "checklist" modes runs concurrently with your application. If you get stuck at a prompt, you simply click on a special icon to be guided through what you should do - again with the help of text, graphics, sound, and an animated laser pointer.

PTS markets its training products to corporations, training organizations, and the SOHO market - small offices and home offices - with single-user pricing starting at $79 and various types of corporate-site licenses also available.

Copyright © 1996-1997 PTS Learning Systems. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without the expressed written permission of PTS Learning Systems is prohibited.