ERIC Number: EJ912663
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Jul
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9010
EISSN: N/A
Power to the People: Using Learner Control to Improve Trainee Reactions and Learning in Web-Based Instructional Environments
Orvis, Karin A.; Fisher, Sandra L.; Wasserman, Michael E.
Journal of Applied Psychology, v94 n4 p960-971 Jul 2009
This experimental study investigated the mechanisms by which learner control influences learning in an e-learning environment. The authors hypothesized that learner control would enhance learning indirectly through its effect on trainee reactions and learner engagement (in particular, off-task attention), such that learners who were more satisfied with the training and devoted more cognitive resources toward the instructional content versus off-task thoughts would possess greater posttraining knowledge. The study also examined the role of individual differences (training motivation and goal orientation) in the prediction of these 2 mediating variables. A sample of 274 undergraduates completed an e-learning program, either with or without interactive, learner control tools. Results suggest that both training satisfaction and off-task attention predicted subsequent learning. Learner control had a positive impact on training satisfaction but was not related to off-task attention. The individual difference variables had a differential impact on the mediating variables. In particular, performance orientation was linked to off-task attention, whereas mastery orientation was found to indirectly influence satisfaction via its direct effect on training motivation. Implications for the design and further study of e-learning are discussed. (Contains 2 footnotes, 3 tables, and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Goal Orientation, Motivation, Individual Differences, Program Effectiveness, Learner Controlled Instruction, Trainees, Educational Environment, Prediction, Undergraduate Students, Task Analysis, Attention
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A