An investigation of computer generated knowledge retention activities in computer-based training with adult learners

The goal o f this investigation was to evaluate the impact o f training and the effectiveness o f different types o f knowledge retention activities delivered by computer-based training programs. This study focused on a computer-based learning system called the Profound Learning Delivery System (PLS). PLS is an application designed to improve the content knowledge retention o f adult learners who are completing computer-based training. This study used a pretest-posttest experimental design to compare adult learners’ knowledge o f Microsoft Outlook ("Outlook, " 1997) before and after a computer-based training session. Participants were trained using two different computer-based instructional programs; a commercially available software program matched for comparison purposes and PLS. This comparison involved three different formats for post-instruction retention activities that were; no review activities, user generated review activities, and program generated retention activities. Results indicate, there was a significant difference between the groups 60 days after training. This result demonstrated that PLS has potential worth exploring.