LRND 6790 – Draft Methods (revised)
Title: Can franchisees be effectively trained in a digital environment exclusively using e-learning?
Introduction
The purpose of this study is to determine whether it is feasible to train franchisees exclusively using e-learning in a digital environment. A variety of digital platforms, both synchronous and asynchronous, will be used to deliver training materials throughout a predetermined time frame with check points and goals. Result will be evaluated and measured using an assessment, survey and general observation during the training.
Hypothesis:
At the completion of training, franchisee assessment scores and overall comprehension of material will conclude that it is feasible to exclusively use e-learning in digital environment as the sole means of training.
Possible Research Questions:
Is either synchronous or asynchronous communication preferred?
Does either synchronous or asynchronous communication require more time to be effective?
- Does this affect the results?
- Does supervision encourage the trainee to be more focused?
Does prior knowledge of the technologies used affect the results?
- Positively or Negatively?
Do technological limitations decrease results?
Is there a learning curve for the technology platforms used to deliver materials?
Population
This study will be performed on a group of potential franchise applicants.
Study Procedure
A mixed methods approach will be used to evaluate effectiveness and feasibility.
Qualitative
- Final Comprehension Assessment
- Focus Group
- Observation
Quantitative
- Questionnaire / Survey
If you want to “compare” online vs. face-to-face, the ideal would be to actually create at least one segment of the training you would eventually like to use, then try delivering it to a trial group face to face and a matching group online. Then, give them both the same test looking at comprehension of the materials and look for differences.
If you’re not trying to show that one delivery is as good as (or better than) the other, rather than doing a comparison study (where you would really need to develop training both for face-to-face and online environments) you might consider slightly reframing your research approach as a “feasibility study.” Then, your research would focus on testing a hypothesis that states that all-online franchisee training is (or isn’t) a viable alternative to face-to-face. Because you’d only be trying to test whether or not online-only training can “work” (however you would define that), you would only need to recruit one group of participants and develop materials in one format. This approach would change your study a bit, but it might buy you some time to go into greater depth with your participants about what works and doesn’t work with the online environment, and maybe even do an “alpha” and “beta” run with them so that, if there are things that don’t work when they first use the materials, you can try making some adjustments to better determine whether problems were indicators of barriers inherent to online training environments or whether the issues were specific to the “content” (but not the medium of delivery) of the alpha version.
Hi Wes. You’re on the right track. For your full proposal draft, though, you’ll want to go into detail about the content and design of your comprehension assessment and the interview protocol you plan to use. (Help the reader understand why the items on those instruments help answer your research questions and test your stated hypothesis.)
Can you please also post or e-mail me draft versions of those instruments?
Have a good weekend.