Optimizing e‐learning: Research‐based guidelines for learner‐controlled training

Current issues and future directions in simulation-based training in North America

“…Specifically, significant research suggests that individuals often do not make effective use of the control provided by technology-based training (Bell & Kozlowski, 2002a;DeRouin, Fritzsche, & Salas, 2004;Reeves, 1993). Trainees often do not accurately assess their current knowledge level, do not devote enough effort to training, and make poor decisions, such as terminating study and practice early and skipping over important learning opportunities, resulting in deficiencies in performance (Brown, 2001;Ely & Sitzmann, 2007).…”

“…Accordingly, it is important to understand how various individual differences interact with the design of simulations to influence overall effectiveness. DeRouin et al (2004) suggest that trainees who are high in ability, prior experience, and motivation may benefit the most from the learner control offered by many experiential training simulations. High ability trainees, for instance, have sufficient cognitive resources to allow them to focus attention on learning activities, such as monitoring their learning progress and developing effective learning strategies, without detracting from their acquisition of important knowledge and skills (Kanfer & Ackerman, 1989).…”

“…Future research needs to adopt a learner-centered perspective so as to identify those individual differences that are relevant to simulation learning environments. Prior research conducted in more traditional training environments suggests that cognitive ability, prior experience, and motivation may be important determinants of trainees' ability to leverage the learner control inherent in simulation-based training (DeRouin et al., 2004).…”

Management Training in Hospitality Schools: A Comparative Study of Instructional Methods

“…Advantages and disadvantages for online learning in corporate management education are similar to those reported in higher education. Online learning may be more cost effective in reaching geographically dispersed workers and may be more convenient for trainees because of its inherent on-demand any time/any place availability in asynchronous activities [40]. The online delivery of instruction approach provides learners with the possibility of sharing information and working together with fellow learners, instructors, and subject matter experts, and the opportunity to explore links and visit web sites [41].…”

“…While learner control may lead to enhanced motivation for trainees, learner control is not always beneficial and may have negative effects [46]. Given greater control of the learning process through the use of the computer, learners may make poor decisions and fail to exercise sound judgment [47]. Therefore, instructors should provide adaptive guidance toward their trainees in this context [1].…”