With travel budgets slashed and time at a premium, many training programs have been reduced or put on hold. Unfortunately, reduction in training usually results in reduction in employee morale, productivity, and motivation. In today's competitive environment, motivated and knowledgeable employees are crucial to world class performance.
You may want to consider some of the alternatives available, such as Web-Based Training (WBT). Many of you may already be familiar with Computer-Based Training (CBT), delivered by CD ROM or over the corporate network. Now you can experience similar training over the Internet. Many of these courses are self-paced and some include tests or quizzes to measure personal learning.
RCM¹ - Online Reliability & Condition Monitoring Training (www.rcm-1.com) offers over 40 iPresentation tutorials, including Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Root Cause Analysis, Vibration Analysis, Ultrasonic Detection, Oil Analysis and Motor Testing. These free courses typically run from 10 to 60 minutes. Brief registration and current media player are required to listen to the voice-over narration.
VibrationSchool.com (www.vibrationschool.com) offers a comprehensive level 1 and level 2 vibration analysis training course. The catch is that you must complete the course within 30 days or else you will be prompted to re-register. The course is free over the web or under $100 if you purchase it on CD ROM.
Motordoc.net (www.motordoc.net) offers free e-books for electric motor testing on its website. Some books are for sale but most are free for registered site visitors.
ReliabilityRadio.com (www.reliabilityradio.com) offers audio discussions about various maintenance and reliability issues with leading subject matter experts. The audio feed streams so Windows Media Player or Real Player are required. Your computer must also have a sound card and speakers.
For additional programs, try a Google search (www.google.com) and type in "web based maintenance training" to get a more comprehensive listing.
Web-based training does not replace traditional methods of training delivery -- rather, it complements them. A world of resources waits for you on the web, so log on today and start learning!
Kelly I. Rigg is vice president of NetexpressUSA Inc, an Internet publishing company located at www.netexpressusa.com. You can reach Kelly by email at info@netexpressusa.com.
