Computer Based Training with a Twist: Leveraging Peer-to-peer Learning to Improve Training Effectiveness

A good training program can increase productivity within an organization. This paper explores characteristics associated with a training program that leverages specific learning paradigms that have been shown to increase retention and transfer of information and increase worker efficiency. One of the most widely reported, although rarely measured, method of learning software is through peers. However, little research has been done on this method and most training programs do not incorporate this element into their training. We propose a training program that will incorporate and facilitate learning from peers in the work setting. This will extend the training program beyond the initial training period or session and could lead to better retention and transfer of the material learned. Further, this may lead to the trainees learning about more advanced features of the software subsequent to the training session itself.