Inferring Saving in Training Time From Effect Size Estimates

Abstract

Abstract : Asynchronous training technologies enable students to master material much more rapidly than classroom instruction. Students' time saving represents a major potential benefit of using them. This paper fills a methodology gap in estimating the students' timesaving benefit of asynchronous training technologies. Meta- analyses of their effectiveness yield a statistic called Effect Size. Estimating the benefit in dollar terms requires information regarding the reduction in total training time. This paper presents a methodology for inferring the percentage reduction in students' training time from estimates of Effect Size. It goes on to infer the percentage reductions for three asynchronous training technologies from estimates of their Effect Sizes. Finally, it compares the estimates to some direct measures of training time savings. Asynchronous training technologies enable students to master material much more rapidly than classroom instruction. Students' time saving represents a major potential benefit of using them. This paper fills a methodology gap in estimating the students' timesaving benefit of asynchronous training technologies. Meta- analyses of their effectiveness yield a statistic called Effect Size. Estimating the benefit in dollar terms requires information regarding the reduction in total training time. This paper presents a methodology for inferring the percentage reduction in students' training time from estimates of Effect Size. It goes on to infer the percentage reductions for three asynchronous training technologies from estimates of their Effect Sizes. Finally, it compares the estimates to some direct measures of training time savings.