cTRAIN: A computer-aided training system developed in SuperCard for teaching skills using behavioral education principles

Abstract

A computer-aided training program was developed in SuperCard and piloted with professional painters. Taking a modern programmed-instruction/behavioral-education approach, cTRAIN is structured as a series of information sets. Each information set consists of a series of information screens (three to five recommended) followed by quiz screens (one to three recommended) structured as four-response multiple choice questions. Correct quiz responses produce positive feedback and continuation in the series, whereas incorrect responses result in "error" feedback and return the student to the beginning of the information set to repeat the same information screens and the same quiz question. This report demonstrates a specific implementation, respiratory protection requirements, using the flexible cTRAIN system for developing training modules. Fifteen adults completed the respiratory protection program, demonstrating substantial and significant (p < .0001 by paired t test) gains from baseline pretest (19.4 out of 30 questions) to the immediate posttest (28.1). Performance remained elevated (26.4) on a retest taken 1 week later.

Computer-based training for food services workers at a hospital

“…The cTRAIN software (Anger et al, 2001) was founded on behavioral education principles (e.g., Edgar & Sulzbacher, 1992). It consisted of: (a) 10 user instruction screens to teach the user to operate the program, (b) information screens, and (c) quiz or test screens.…”

“…An error returned the program to the first information screen in the Information Set, to repeat the Set and the incorrectlyanswered quiz question. Information Sets were completed in serial fashion, followed by a final test without feedback, which also was presented as a pre-test (Anger et al, 2001). The program designed for the FSND consisted of 143 information screens and 44 quiz screens in 22 Information Sets further grouped into 4 topics.…”

The Multilevel Effects of Supervisor Adaptability on Training Effectiveness and Employee Job Satisfaction

“…The cTRAIN platform, developed by Anger and colleagues (Anger et al, 2001), is an evidenced based training, completed via interactive software that provides insight into the importance of recognizing employee's family life, and teaches skills to provide various forms of support for employee's family life. The training also highlighted the importance of exhibiting safety supportive behaviors, as well as taught skills to provide safety support.…”

“…Directly following completion of baseline data collection, I was involved in administering the supervisor, computer-based training, cTRAIN (Anger et al, 2001). This involved explaining the purpose of the training to groups (group sizes ranged from 2-8) of supervisors, setting up the software and computers so that they were ready for supervisors to begin the training, and then transferring training related data from individual computers to a central electronic location.…”

Multimedia for Occupational Safety and Health Training: A Pilot StudyExamining a Multimedia Learning Theory

“…Health and safety training is increasingly being delivered by computer. There are several potential advantages to computer-based training (CBT) including cost-effectiveness 4) and the potential for greater learning resulting from interactivity 5,6) . Previous studies of learning from multimedia 7) have shown that it can also be a powerful means to enhance learning.…”