NCJ Number
228218
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 81,83,85,87
Date Published
August 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article compares the cost-effectiveness of training corrections personnel at specific regional or national training sites with the cost-effectiveness of Internet-based training with peers in a virtual classroom, often referred to as "Web conferencing."
Abstract
Web conferencing has been determined to be as effective as group training at specific sites, but at much less cost and with greater convenience for trainees and their organizations. Web conferences allow trainers to conduct live meetings or presentations via the Internet. In a Web conference, each participant sits at his/her own computer and connects to other participants via the Internet. This can be either a downloaded application on each participant's computer or a Web-based application where participants type in a Web site address to enter the conference. This approach provides a collaborative environment for staff to interact and learn. Its features allow any kind of data-sharing on the Internet. One advantage of Web conferencing over the traditional classroom is that data and documents are more accessible and shareable; and they can often be retrieved on demand. The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) provides a number of services through Web-based technologies. These technologies substantially increase the number of clients NIC serves in educational events and training programs. Clients are better served by increasing training opportunities at a reduced cost. Web conferencing also enables NIC to conduct a variety of virtual meetings, including planning sessions, staff meetings, and other business-related events at a substantially reduced cost. Corrections must embrace and expand the use of new technologies for training that reduce cost while maintaining and even improving training outcomes.