Self-regulated learning strategies and software training

Article Type: Abstracts From: Development and Learning in Organizations, Volume 23, Issue 1

Gravill J. and , Compeau D. Information & Management, July 2008, Vol. 45 No. 5, Start page: 288, No. of pages: 9

Purpose – to gain a better understanding of employee learning software used at work. Design/methodology/approach – a review of the literature of self-regulated learning and computer software training is presented. Reports the results of a pilot study involving semi-structured interviews with 27 knowledge workers from a variety of organizations who had utilized software training in the prior year where interviewees were asked to describe their experiences in acquiring new computer software-related skills at work, the difficulties they encountered during these experiences, and how they overcame them. Follows up this pilot study with the main study in which 140 study packages were delivered to 85 knowledge workers in a large pharmaceutical company. Findings – the results fully supported the hypotheses that: self-regulated learning strategies is positively related to declarative knowledge; self-regulated learning strategies is positively related to procedural knowledge; use of self-regulated learning strategies is positively related to self-efficacy; off-task attention is negatively related to self-efficacy; and self-efficacy is positively related to declarative knowledge; and self-efficacy is positively related to procedural knowledge. Reveals that two of the hypotheses, that learning in on-task attention is positively related to self-efficacy and performing in on-task attention is positively related to self-efficacy, were only partially supported. Concludes that individuals have difficulty in managing or regulating their own activities but self-regulated learning strategies can influence learning outcomes and individuals use different learning strategies to meet their own needs. Research limitations/implications – the research was limited by the voluntary basis of the study and the relatively small sample size of respondents. Originality/value – assists in better understanding one aspect of self-management within organizations and should benefit organizations that want to improve their return on software and training investments by suggesting appropriate working conditions conducive to effective self-regulated learning. ISSN: 0378-7206 Reference: 37AR088

Keywords: Computer based learning, Computer software,Computer-based training, Organizations, Pharmaceutical industry, Software tools,Surveys, Teaching aids, Teaching methods