A pilot study of teaching the strategic use of common computer applications

Abstract

Many users do not progress from a basic use of computer applications to more efficient usage. A strategic approach to training that focuses on teaching efficient strategies in addition to commands was successfully developed by Bhavnani and John at Carnegie Mellon University. A controlled experiment comparing this method of teaching to traditional command-based instruction was performed at the University of Western Australia. We found the teaching method is transferable to the Australian context and it appears to be remarkably robust in terms of delivery, student prior experience levels and motivation. The results clearly indicate that students can be taught to use common computer applications more efficiently than they would otherwise achieve.