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