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Online training: An evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of training law enforcement personnel over the Internet

Joyce Marie Schmeeckle, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the NLETC Jail Management online training. Study 1 evaluated the effectiveness and efficiencies of the online training in an applied setting with NLETC trainees as it compared to current classroom training. Learning, and motivation and attitudes were measured for instructional effectiveness. Instructional time and cost/benefit calculations were used as measures of efficiencies. Study 2 investigated multimedia benefits when included in online training. In Study 1, Jail Management trainees in the state of Nebraska were randomly assigned to receive either online or classroom training. Results indicated, as predicted, that online training is as effective an instructional method as classroom training, and more efficient than classroom. No meaningful learning differences occurred between the 2 groups, but online training was completed in almost half the time of classroom instruction and at a lesser cost. The classroom group felt more motivated and positive toward their instruction than the online group. This result was specifically attributed to women in the online group. Trainees stated the biggest disadvantage of online training was missing classroom interaction, but this was countered by the convenience and time efficiency of online training. Training implications and recommendations are discussed. Study 2, a separate parallel study, experimentally examined learning, instructional time, and motivation and attitude advantages of multimedia included in Jail Management online training courses. The multimedia study results indicated there were no differences in UNL student participants' test scores, whether they received training with text only, audio, or video. Motivation, attitudes and depth of learning also did not differ between the groups, but the text only group completed the training course in less time than the other 2 groups. This did not support the prediction that video would enhance learning, motivation and attitude, but did support the prediction that text only would be the most efficient condition.

Subject Area

Occupational psychology|Educational software|Adult education|Continuing education|Criminology

Recommended Citation

Schmeeckle, Joyce Marie, "Online training: An evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of training law enforcement personnel over the Internet" (2000). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9962066.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9962066

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