| Just a few years ago, web-based learning through | | | | There are even some far out, but truly interesting |
| PCs was seen as revolutionary. Companies could put | | | | ways this technology could be used. In the kitchen, |
| their orientations and ongoing trainings on line and all | | | | internet-enabled appliances could actually teach you |
| employees would get standardized learning. Soon, | | | | how to cook as you go, sending information to a |
| with the spread of wifi, router-based, and satellite | | | | nearby monitor about when food is done, or ready |
| wireless networks, people could tap into this type of | | | | for the next step. An internet enabled coffee maker |
| training while on the run. A salesperson could get | | | | could use web-based training to help you brew |
| trained in the latest marketing presentation while | | | | perfect coffee that responds in real time to the |
| riding on a plane to her or his next destination. Or a | | | | fineness of the ground beans, the temperature of |
| person could get oriented to their new job from | | | | the water, or the density of the resulting beverage. |
| home before the first day they work. Now, | | | | In all of these examples, web based learning would |
| web-based trainings have taken another step | | | | take place in real time, and could lead to new skills |
| forward due to the technology involved in | | | | being developed. And in each example there is also |
| internet-enabling devices besides computers. There | | | | the potential of tapping into live help. In the first |
| are some obvious examples of how this might work. | | | | example, a guide could catch you up with whatever |
| For example, your TV may be connected to the | | | | you'd missed in the conference if you "arrive late". In |
| internet in a way that allows you to tune in to a | | | | the internet enabled printer example, live help could |
| training or conference as easy as changing to a | | | | assist you when a document presents particular |
| specific channel. You could use your DVR and truly | | | | difficulty - the person on the other end could "see" |
| get the most out of the conference. There are also | | | | what is going on in real time. In the third example, a |
| less obvious but still valuable examples of the | | | | cook could teach people how to cook her or his |
| potential of internet enabled devices. For example, an | | | | recipes almost like he or she is there - even checking |
| internet enabled printer could tap into web-based | | | | the temperature and other information from their |
| trainings in helping you maximize the quality of | | | | remote location. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of |
| photographs before printing them. You could learn | | | | web based learning and internet enabled technology is |
| how to crop, sharpen, lighten, etc. your photos by | | | | the ability for people to do things together even |
| having an online guide that directs real-time | | | | when they are far apart. Literally hundreds of people |
| information to a nearby computer. That web-based | | | | could be part of a web based conference that helps |
| guide, because the device is internet enabled, can | | | | them learn the latest uses for an internet enabled |
| actually "know" what you've just done and direct you | | | | device. Or, your friend, relative, or teacher who |
| about whether that was correct or not. If you have | | | | knows how to do something you don't could provide |
| an internet-enabled all-in-one device, you could also | | | | you with web based learning where they can see |
| learn how to scan and fax for maximum results. | | | | and react to your input on an internet-enabled device. |