Computer-Based Training modules are boring.
No, I'm do not mean writing CBT software. I haven't done that sort of applications yet.
I'm bored of actually using them. I've been assigned half-dozen Oracle CBT modules last week. At first, I wanted to breeze through the modules, clicking on Next, Next, Next, Next, stopping only in places where the stuff is not boring or something interests me enough to actually read something. I was through after a few minutes. A module is supposed to take 6-8 hours. I did it in 10 minutes. I am a genius. Sure enough, there is a test after the module. I got 76%. Bummer.
I went back to the training knowing that my "Push the Freakin Button" technique won't work here. The tests expect you to type in SQL code and is very unforgiving. Just a misplaced click and you've messed up your answer. Just a wrong "AS" and your ass is gone. You won't even get half a point for effort. Sheesh.
I don't think CBTs in general are bad. They just don't work for me. I'm the kind of person who learns by making mistakes[1]. CBTs generally never reward mistakes.
What if CBTs are written as adventure game? I'm not thinking about WarCraft or Ragnarok, though that won't hurt. I am very fond of those antique text-mode adventure games: mud, nethack, zork. Interactive Fiction.[2] Adventure games are fun (if you've got a good imagination. But hey, who doesn't?) and I don't think it is impossible to write well defined quests that teach about EXTRACT(MONTH FROM '10-OCT-06') or puzzles based on how to round dates on months. Weird ideas, right? I told you CBTs are boring.
[1] I think that is why test driven development is very appealing to me. TDD allows me to make a lot of mistakes, helping me learn a lot about the problem domain, and finally lets me correct my mistakes.
[2] I wanted to give you links but it's late and I'm really tired. If someone is interested, I'll post good ones as comments.