NEED FOR THE HUMAN TOUCH IN TECHNOLOGY INTENSIVE TRAINING: A STUDY CONDUCTED TO GAUGE INTO TRAINING PREFERENCES IN DELHI NCR

Abstract

Training is an essential component for human growth. Knowledge and technology are consistently growing in an environment of learning. Training and development are the two deciding factors in organizational success. Technology has made its foray in training and what was supposed to be the human bastion is being taken over by the technology. There is absolutely no doubt and uncertainty over the fact that the standards of training have gone up many notches in education and corporate trainings. The advance methods used in training have come as the most effective tools in the hands of trainers empowering them and easing the modes of delivery. Whereas earlier, trainers had to stand for hours straining their voice and using every spec of energy in them to impart their knowledge, now, the efforts required are down to half and the effectiveness of training much greater than ever existed.

The various audio visual applications have enhanced the power of the trainer and it can be easily said that there exist neither any boundary nor restrictions for a trainers to outgrow their limits.

But amongst all the positives one wonders if everything is as illustrious as it appears. In a survey done by American Society for Training and Development it was found that around $ 156 billion was spent on employees’ training 90% skills they acquired in the training was lost within months of training. In the past there used to be subject experts whose knowledge in the area used to be undisputed. Rather subjects were known by the names of the teachers who taught them. At present, any person can be training behind the armor that technology has provided. Now, more than the subject experts we need techies who are adept at using technological applications. The effect is evident in the quality of training. Such training may not have a lasting impression. Without the human touch, which comes with its many facets of para -language, emotions, soft skills and interpersonal skills, trainings are becoming lack-luster. Such technology driven training may also have a shorter retention span as human mind is able to retain more with a personal human touch. Training modules should pay special attention to add human flavor in what is served as training.

The research paper aims at evaluating the trainee’s preferences regarding the use of technology and human touch. The survey was conducted on officers of some training oriented sectors like aviation and IT in Delhi NCR to gauge into their opinions about the right balance between human and technology in training. The survey was conducted through Google forms. Since the results were very clearly visible through percentage, no further test was applied.