Online Training Problems

Online training can be a big advantage, but it only works as well as the computer systems it has been installed on. Running software on outdated or slow computer systems can cause problems. Most training software comes with a list of system requirements and should be followed exactly. These requirements include:

  1. Minimum hard drive space needed for program installation
  2. Computer RAM requirements (i.e. 500mb RAM required to run the program)
  3. Operating system requirements (Windows or Mac)
online training
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Online training should be flexible and self paced.

Some training programs may conflict with other programs. If the instruction manual says to close other programs before running, this should be followed. Interruptions in electrical power may affect training. A power surge or a single second of interrupted power may cause the program to shut down or crash. Surge protectors can prevent these problems. Using an uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, prevents losing data during temporary power outages. The UPS is a battery backup, which automatically starts when the electricity is cut off. The UPS keeps the machine running for as long as the battery reserve lasts, keeping the training or testing session from being interrupted.

During the testing phase of online training, you may be required to take the entire test session over again if there's data loss, computer crash, or other technical problems. Many online training tests don't allow users to stop and start the test over again.

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know you can use teleconferencing as a supplement to online training? Learn more about advances in conferencing technology at Premiere Global.

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A third issue to contend with is computer hacking. The illegal compromise of a computer or computer network is the classic definition of hacking. People break into computers and networks for a wide variety of reasons, including data theft. If an online training program is hacked, third parties get illegal access to username and passwords, test results and any other confidential information. To avoid hacking, many companies offer training on closed systems. If training is offered on public Internet connections, steps need to be taken to safeguard private data. These may include using:

  1. Commercially available anti-virus programs, such as Norton or McAffee, on the training network
  2. Network monitoring systems
  3. "Strong passwords" that are combinations of letters and numbers
  4. Secure Internet connections that require an additional login for the system before a user name and password is entered to access training material

Handling the Problem
When you take online training, you may experience problems with the computer, accidentally exit out of the program or need to go back to a specific section of your training for review. While the instruction phase of your training should cover these general issues, sometimes they're overlooked. It's best in these situations to contact the person who supervises the online training for help.

It's particularly important to know what to do in case of problems during the testing phase of your online training. If you have any doubts, ask the training supervisor before your online testing phase of the training begins. A common problem for online testing programs is losing the network connections due to inactivity. If this is the case, you may need to get a training supervisor's help to re-establish the connection. You may not be able to back out of the test phase or step away from the computer once testing begins.