iTECH: The Internet - Can It Transform Transportation Training

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/iTECHlogo.gif" width=119 align=right>The evolution and progress of online learning in the transportation industry may be best summed up in the title of an old Frank Sinatra standard, "All Or Nothing at All." As portions of the industry have invested significantly in technology to gear up for new Internet training modalities, others are taking a conservative, wait-and-see attitude.

In some sectors, companies and agencies have fully embraced computer-based and online delivery of training — some as an adjunct to traditional face-to-face training and others as a more cost-effective meeting and/or training facilitation system. Other sectors of the industry, however, continue to use traditional training conferences, safety meetings and platform training modalities.

"We surveyed our members three years ago and they reported most of their training is face-to-face," said Bill Webb, president of the Texas Motor Transportation Association. "Most said the technology for computer-based training was too expensive, and I don’t know any companies who have tried online delivery and have said, 'Oh, that's just like I thought it would be.' There always seem to be hurdles…and surprises."

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