Off-campus UNL users: To download campus access dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your NU ID and password. When you are done browsing please remember to return to this page and log out.
Non-UNL users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this dissertation through interlibrary loan.
A comparison research model for adult distributed training
Abstract
This study presented a comparison research model to examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of online adult distributed training compared to a traditional classroom setting. The model was applied to First Connections, an online infant and toddler care provider training program. One hundred and thirteen participants were given a pretest composed of 40 questions prior to training. The control group (n = 29) received training in a traditional community college classroom. Treatment group 1 (n = 26) received training online but chose to receive continuing education credits (CEU) instead of college credit. Treatment group 2 (n = 58) received training online and 4.5 college credits. A demographic survey was administered to all three groups. Posttests were administered to each group at the end of the training. Treatment groups completed a 55-item 5-point Likert-type after training to measure three variables: content, presentation and student reaction. Posttest scores indicated no significant differences between groups F(2,59) = 2.58, p = 0.084. The reliability of the testing instrument was established using a Cronbach's alpha (0.77) and experts ratings. Mean scores and alpha coefficients for the content, presentation and student reaction were (M = 3.98, α = 0.86; M = 3.73, α = 0.90; and M = 4.05, α = 0.84) respectively. Attrition bias was examined and no significant differences were found in pretest scores, age or job experience between participants who completed the training and those who did not. A cost-effectiveness analysis indicated ratios of $1,791 for the control group, $4,019 for treatment group 1 and $2,557 for treatment group 2. The cost-effectiveness ratio (CE) for the combined online group was $1,557. The study revealed that CE ratios decrease with increased enrollments in the online groups. The study concluded that First Connections set standards for infant and toddler care in Nebraska, a stated goal of the program. In less than two years, 10% of all providers in the state had participated to some degree in First Connections, increasing the continuity of care.
Subject Area
Curricula|Teaching|Preschool education|Educational software
Recommended Citation
Barker, Bradley Scott, "A comparison research model for adult distributed training" (2002). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3070120.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3070120