Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

By William Horton

Book Overview

The surge in the number of online training sites has created an unprecedented demand for experts who know all aspects of Web-based training (WBT) site design. Written by bestselling author William Horton, this book provides the hands-on and practical guidance that trainers demand. Packed with over 100 examples, this well-illustrated guide walks you through every phase of designing WBT, from analyzing your course requirements and assessing the needs of potential students to designing a course for a global audience. You'll find out how to combine elements into effective and interesting learning sequences, discover how to overcome any technical hurdle that may arise, how to offer materials that motivate learning, and how to use Web technologies to create 21st-century alternatives to traditional courses. Praise for Designing Web-Based Training "Horton has done it again! He's addressed the cutting-edge problem of Web-based training design with his pragmatic, research-based approach. His work is task-oriented and down-to-earth. He doesn't waste our time with excessive educational philosophy. In short-comprehensive overview, practical advice, engaging presentation."-Robert E. Horn, Author, Visual Language: Global Communication for the 21st Century "As each new media wave is adopted for instructional pur-poses, there is a lag in effective exploitation of the unique features the medium brings for supporting learning. Designing Web-Based Training bridges the gap by providing a rich and detailed reference."-Ruth Clark, EdD, President, Clark Training & Consulting "Designers have been seeking guidance on how to exploit the Web's distribution potential while combining it with powerful instructional programs. Horton provides structure, stimulation, and substance in this important book. Web-based training is definitely what is happening now. Designing Web-Based Training will be a de facto classic in the field." -Gloria Gery, Principal, Gery Associates, Author, Making CBT Happen The companion Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks/horton/ features: * Design guidelines * Live versions of many examples from the book * A course shell and sample lessons * Links to helpful references

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 047135614X
• ISBN13: 9780471356141
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 640 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 1.4" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

Excellent overview and covers the in depth considerations

note: I submitted my review yesterday and incorrectly put the publishers name instead or Horton in the review. I have corrected that error belowExcellent overview and covers the in depth considerations necessary for any successful WBT programI do consulting in education on WBT and I am a Director of a WBT Consulting Certification Program and consequently usually do not have the time to write reviews. However, in this instance I had to take the time. Horton has done an excellent job of providing an overview of WBT and an in depth study of the instructional design related to a WBT program. He covers most of the issues you will be facing setting up WBT and his book should be on your shelf and one of the first that you read if you are just getting started in WBT or in need of further guidance in this area. He doesn’t go into the practical development side of the how to do the graphics, programming, and Web architecture, but that is OK because that is a separate area in itself. If you need to know most of the considerations involved with WBT, then this is definitely your book. After you have read his book sit down and use his suggestions to plan your WBT program and you will not go wrong. He also addresses very practical issues in the instructional design of the WBT program and the courses within the program, how to set them up and conduct them. I can’t say enough about how well he covers these topics. If you need a book that will give you ideas and make you think about your WBT program and the instructional design and development within your upcoming or current WBT program, his book will do all of that and more. His book will definitely make you think and will provide insightful assistance for WBT program managers, WBT instructional designers, WBT course development teams and WBT instructors alike. I particularly liked the instructional design of his book; it is full of illustrations that are as thought provoking as his words. The book is truly an idea generator. It is an easy read for a newcomer and a must read for the WBT professional.

Distilled wisdom of a design guru

Designing Web-Based Training comprehensively teaches just what the title suggests, distilling the design experience of hundreds of hours of CBT/WBT. It will not take you to the cutting edge of web technology (which changes too fast, so no book will), but you will emerge with a rock-solid foundation. The technical level is probably optimal, and therefore a bit low for an engineer. The style is quite light and enjoyable, and I appreciated the humor. I was particularly impressed that an entire chapter is devoted to localization: here in Europe, a constant complaint is that Americans neglect the needs of other languages and cultures.Note that there is nothing here about the business of WBT, e.g. project management, vendor management, selling projects to internal management, or the business of training in general. A few other books cover those topics admirably; this one focuses on design.Horton gets out of including design and development methodology by calling it a religious issue. Maybe so, but that will affect your design. Chapter 5 "Organize Learning Sequences" hints at a learning object being part of a bigger picture, but I found little to help me with large-scale courseware production, in which databases are needed for tracking objectives, test questions, and even content. Why do these books always assume that you are making just one course in a vacuum? The IEEE, IMS, and AICC learning technology standards are mentioned a few times, but the newer SCORM not at all.

Fantasic introduction to developing web based training

Horton does a great job of explaining the pros and cons of web based training and when it should be used. He presents some basic guidelines for developing a business case for using WBT and moves into a detailed definition of well designed courseware. Topics include designing course navigation, course material and exams. Tech tips are scattered throughout for the technical people reading this book, but not in a way that would scare off non-techies. Well written and easy to read. Highly recommended.

Great overview and introduction to hypermedia

As a project manager in the world of intranet development and more technical development projects, I frequently have to train entry-level consultants on how to develop content for online delivery. This book is the bible I give each employee. It has served as a great foundation for both methodology and understanding of the basics. From there, these employees can move to the next level. Great book!

A must have for Online Documentation Writers

This book is an invaluable tool for anyone in the area of Online Documentation, or anyone wanting to get a grasp of what the subject involves.