Computer-based training (CBT) is a type of education in which the student learns by executing special training programs on a computer. CBT is especially effective for training people to use computer applications because the CBT program can be integrated with the applications so that students can practice using the application as they learn.
Historically, CBTs growth has been hampered by the enormous resources required: human resources to create a CBT program. and hardware resources needed to run it. However, the increase in PC computing power, and especially the growing prevalence of computers equipped with CD-ROMs, is making CBT a more viable option for corporations and individuals alike. Many PC applications now come with some modest form of CBT, often called a tutorial.
CBT is also called computer-assisted instruction (CAI).
Contrast with Web-based training and distance learning.
