Mantissa's philosophy of
training development

There are hundreds of companies who offer technology-based training development services
(e-learning, computer-based training, multimedia training.)  However within these companies you will find huge variations in approach.

Here are some key principles that govern our development work.

 

'Training technology' is about how people learn, not about computers.

There is a rich body of psychological research on human attention and skills development, which provides key insights for the designer of interactive training materials.

Of course the training designer must be aware of the capabilities and constraints of computer systems and networks; but an understanding of the 'software' inside the human brain contributes much more to good learning outcomes than an understanding of microprocessors and computer languages!
Learning is an active process of human engagement with new information, skills and concepts. It follows that the key quality of technology-based training materials must be interactivity, which we define as stimulation of those mental processes that engage the learner with the ideas to be assimilated and that develop the required new cognitive structures.
High-quality training materials do not necessarily require expensive content types such as animation or motion video.

Video, animations and glitzy graphics are attractive, and can add to the overall appeal of a learning experience; but they will cost money which can often be better spent on other aspects of the project, and in many instances they can actually be counterproductive.

We will not recommend the use of such media unless there is a clear benefit in terms of learning outcomes and a cost justification.
Want to find out more?  Contact us for discussion papers, documents and reading lists.