Achieving End-User Training Effectiveness through Web-Based Training Systems: an Empirical Study

The growth in the application of information technology to learning/training underscores the need to understand the impact of these technologies. This paper reports the results of a multi-period quasiexperiment focusing on two e-learning methods: contemporary web-based and video-based training methods. Drawing on the two foundational disciplines of Information Systems and Education, this study presents a theoretical model, based on Adaptive Structuration Theory, which focuses on the learning process involved in technology-mediated learning. The model describes the effect of learning methods as well as the important role of faithful appropriation of learning methods on learning outcomes. Results of the study show a significant influence of web-based training systems on specific learning outcomes. In addition, the study finds that appropriation is an important determinant of the extent of these effects. The study provides important research implications for theory and practice. Researchers and practitioners need to focus, not only on the learning methods, but also on their appropriation.