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

1.3. WBT IS JUST IN TIME FOR JUST-IN-TIME TRAINING

Many of the reasons for implementing WBT come not from the characteristics of WBT but from the exploding demand for training—especially training in technical knowledge, which WBT is well suited to teach.

1.3.1. Shortage of trained technology workers

A lack of trained technology workers restrains corporate growth and profits. The International Technology Training Association estimates that in 1998 there were 350,000 unfilled positions for programmers, computer scientists, and systems analysts [8]. And the need will not be filled any time soon. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that between 1996 and 2006 the number of people needed in these fields will increase 108%, or by more than a million jobs.

International Data Corporation reported in its "1997 Global IT Survey" that 20% of Information Technology executives in the U.S. felt that the lack of skilled workers was the greatest limit to their business growth [9]. The lack of training raises support costs for products. As many as half of the calls to help desks require on-the-spot training to resolve the problem [10].

However, traditional educational institutions are not meeting that need. According to the American Electronics Association, between 1990 and 1996 the number of graduates in high technology fields dropped by 5%, and the decline seems to be continuing.

1.3.2. Workers want more training

Management is not alone in recognizing the urgent need for training. Workers ...