Reviewing Training Media


Looking for objective advice on choosing training media? Every one has an opinion about a favorite video, authoring tool or Web-based learning program. It's not always easy to separate the facts from the marketing promises.

As I was browsing the Web for some objective information about an authoring tool, I went to Training Media Review at http://www.tmreview.com. When I arrived there, I found many changes. At one time, TMR published an e-newsletter containing unbiased reviews of off-the-shelf training programs and materials. TMR now offers content, online communities and consulting to trainers, human resource professionals, and managers in various organizations. Its mission is to help the training community choose media-based training materials by providing objective evaluations from human resource experts.

Free Stuff

The site features Tips & Tools to help training and human resource professionals consider their media choices. The TMR Top 10 lists training products (video, authoring tools, books, etc.) that TMR reviewers have given the highest rating.

Communities

The focus of TMR communities is on content and pedagogy (whatever happened to andragogy?). Content includes CBT/WBT, Customer Service, Diversity, Finance and Teams. Interested in finding out the difference between CBT and WBT? There's also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on training media. Another function of the TMR community is to promote its network of experienced consultants and training professionals who contribute reviews to Training Media Review.

Database Demo

TMR offers a free sneak preview of its searchable product review database. The demo contains a small sampling of reviews. It must be a really small sampling because I couldn't get any results either with the basic search or the advanced search.

Really Good Stuff

But to get the really good stuff, you have to become a member. Get out your checkbooks and credit cards!

For $189 per year, online members get access to the product review database, receive the online edition of Training Media Review (6 issues per year) and notification by email of the new issue with links to product reviews.

For $229 per year, print members get access to the product review database, the online and print editions of Training Media Review and email notification of the new issue with links.

How They Make Money

In addition to membership fees, TMR's revenue comes from providing media reviews, product reviews and editorial content to publications (ASTD's Training & Development Magazine) and training product resellers (Virtual Learn and TrainSeek.) In case you're wondering whether TMR's reviews are biased by their relationships with training suppliers, TMR clearly states: "We don't make money reselling courses or products, so our guidance isn't shaped by hidden agendas."

The copyright of the article Reviewing Training Media in Training & Development is owned by Audrey Choden. Permission to republish Reviewing Training Media in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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