Factors associated with transfer of training in workplace elearning

• Published in: The journal of workplace learning Vol. 19; no. 5; pp. 311 - 329
• Main Authors: Park, JiHye, Wentling, Tim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 11.07.2007
• Subjects: Attitudes; Computers; Elearning; Training; Workplace learning
• ISSN: 1366-5626
• DOI: 10.1108/13665620710757860

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of factors associated with elearning, particularly computer attitudes and usability, on transfer of training in workplace elearning courses. Designmethodologyapproach This study relied on quantitative data obtained from four online survey questionnaires. The sample of this study was 47 learners who took either one softskill elearning course or one hardskill elearning course in a selected company and their supervisors. Findings The results demonstrated that learners' computer attitudes impact their perception of the usability of the elearning courses, and that this perception influences the degree of their transfer of training. The results imply that when learners come to an elearning class with positive attitudes toward computers, they feel the elearning course system to be more satisfactory and efficient, and accordingly they can better transfer what they have learned to job performance. Research limitationsimplications The sample of this study is limited. Further research studies with various learners should be conducted. Additionally, the measure of transfer merely relied on their perception of it. Further studies should give more attention to the multifaceted measures of the actual transfer. Finally, further research should be conducted to examine other general factors pertaining to the transfer of training in elearning settings in addition to computer attitudes and usability. Originalityvalue The study expands the knowledge base regarding transfer of training by focusing on elearning, which is rapidly growing and receiving great attention in the workplace, and thus contributes to the establishment of a more comprehensive model of transfer of training.