A Comparison of Two Methods of Training Naive Users in the Use of a Microcomputer System

The problem addressed in this study is the need for efficient and economic methods to train naive college students to operate microcomputers as a necessary step in their acquisition of computer proficiency. Two methods of training were compared. These were training by live demonstration and training by videotape. These methods were considered economically viable because each could be presented in a classroom and neither required a one-to-one student-to-computer or student-to-tutor ratio. \ud Four sections of an introductory computer science class were used in the study. Two classes were presented each treatment. The effectiveness of the presentations was measured by means of a written quiz administered immediately after the presentation and by the number of microcomputer system operation tasks successfully completed during an individual laboratory session. The computer anxiety level of each participant was measured prior to the presentation to determine if anxiety was a factor in finding the best training method.\ud When scores of naive users who saw the videotape were compared with the scores of naive users who saw the live demonstration, no significant differences were found. However, when novice users (those who had some previous experience with operating or programming a microcomputer) were included, the group that saw the videotape scored significantly higher on the written quiz than the group that saw the live demonstration. A two by two analysis of variance showed no significant interactions between anxiety and treatment. User satisfaction was found to be significantly higher for the videotape group than for the live demonstration group.\ud This study concluded with the recommendation that the Computer Science Department of North Texas State University utilize videotapes to train students in introductory classes to use a microcomputer system. This recommendation was based on the superior test results for naive and novice users who saw the videotape, the user satisfaction scores and inherent advantages of videotapes over live demonstrations