RE: Web-based CBT

[Sharyn.Baker@UCHSC.edu]

Hi Brian,

I will answer you privately so as not to antagonize others on the list who
think this discussion is inappropriate for the list. I do however, in fact
mean that I am developing "full CBT" and will clarify it further in my
private post to you. And it is definitely cheaper!

Sharyn Baker

> ----------
> From: 	BOlson@promega.com
> Reply To: 	radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
> Sent: 	Thursday, March 4,1999 5:02 PM
> To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: 	RE: Web-based CBT
> 
> Sharyn Baker wrote:
> ------------------------------
> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 1999 15:34:30 -0700 
> From: Sharyn.Baker@UCHSC.edu
> To: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu
> 
> snip.
> ...we anticipate that the costs for our programs will not be nearly as
> expensive as a generic created program from a commercial vendor...
> snip.
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Sharyn, I read your response and respect your opinion because I know you
> have been doing CBT for some time, but have to ask:  How can this be?  
> 
> As you know (because you were kind enough to send it in to me) earlier
> this
> month, I sent out a survey to the RADSAFE, LABSAFETY, SAFETY, and
> BIOSAFETY
> mailists talking about CBT that people are doing, and will be sending the
> findings out to several maillists soon (we are finalizing it right now).
> That is another (slightly-related) subject though that I won't get into
> now.
> 
> When you say "generic created program" do you mean some of the full CBT
> off
> the shelf safety programs offered by MARCOM or MASTERY?  By "full CBT" I
> mean something that utilizes video, audio, etc.  If so, are you sure you
> are
> comparing apples to apples in MM Quality and capturing all of the costs?
> We
> have been "evaluating" CBT training for the past 18 months years for our
> biotech company.  Our findings indicate that developing training yourself
> (using existing resources or outside development companies) ranges from
> $35K
> to $60K for one finished hour of CBT training (EVERYTHING included).  In
> comparison, one hour of off the shelf CBT training (or what some call "one
> title") will only put you back $500 to $900 for a single user, or ~$5K
> (usually) for a network license.  This even includes off the shelf
> programs
> that you can customize and non-proprietary programs as well.
> 
> I found that when you are looking at programs of the same quality
> (<---THIS
> IS *KEY*), length, and capabilities...off the shelf programs are a
> fraction
> of the cost of doing it yourself.  If data shows otherwise, I have found
> that they it usually is not capturing the costs of everyone's time, or the
> production is not quite at the same standard, etc.  Time is money, and
> needs
> to me captured.  I have even found that it is far cheaper to take an off
> the
> shelf program and customize it, taking away some of the fluff and adding
> some of the technical data we need. In some cases - ten fold cheaper.
> 
> Developing full CBT programs (I have learned - I am no expert here) takes
> several departments and personnel, including a project manager, tech
> writer,
> media specialist, IS support technician, proper equipment, etc.
> Developing
> programs internally "from scratch" need people trained in Macromedia
> Director (which you are I know), Authorware, or other top notch CBT
> development software to match what some of the off the shelf programs are
> being developed from.  Having you trained in Director IS VERY FORTUNATE
> FOR
> YOUR INSTITUTION!.  
> 
> Or....when you say "generic created program" do you mean using canned
> "writer" and "development" programs?  In this case, I have found that
> these
> template programs usually limit the author to a template and do not
> produce
> the results comparable to some of the off the shelf full CBT programs
> (such
> as something from MARCOM or MASTERY, etc.).  
> 
> Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to develop all of my titles internally.
> THAT IS MY GOAL!  But I need numbers to justify it, and unfortunately,
> when
> you are comparing apples to apples, the numbers don't look good.  I would
> LOVE to bring you to Promega Corp. (in Madison, WI) as a consultant for us
> or, visit you at the University of Colorado to take a look at how you are
> doing it.
> 
> [Incidentally, as a side note, I do not consider the Landauer Radiation
> Safety CBT program to be a "full" CBT program.  It is a CBT program, don't
> get me wrong, but it does not utilize video and advanced MM techniques.
> Also, I do not have any preference or relationship with any CBT  company].
> 
> Please keep in touch, as I highly respect your opinion in this matter - I
> know you have been doing this for some time.

> 
> 
> Sincerely, 
> 
> Brian Olson
> Manager, EH&S
> Promega Corp.
> Madison, WI
> 608-277-2602
> ************************************************************************
> The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
> information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html
> 
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html