Learning to Learn: An Interactive Multimedia Instruction Validation
Abstract
This research experimentally tested two tailored training instructional designslearner- and designer-controlledto refine and validate an existing interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) package. The IMI content focused on training early-career Army Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) on strategies and techniques for self-directed learning. Self-directed learning is considered an essential professional development skill, supporting NCOs in their career progression. The research was executed in two phases: (a) experimental comparison of two IMI instructional designs, and (b) validation of the final version of the IMI. No statistically significant difference was found between learner-controlled instruction versus designer-controlled instruction. The learner-controlled design incorporated a diagnostic test and feedback to guide the learner in selecting topics on which to focus their efforts; the designer-controlled design provided all learners with the same sequence of topics. The final version merged features of the instructional designs based on feedback from NCOs. In the validation, NCOs enrolled in Basic Leadership Courses (BLC) courses exhibited improved pretest-training-posttest performance and increased confidence in their ability to perform the trained strategies and techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1058600
Entities
People
- Paul N. Blankenbeckler
- Sean Normand
- Tammy Bankus
- Thomas R. Graves
Organizations
- Northrop Grumman
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
- United States Army Training and Doctrine Command