Actors and avatars: why learners prefer digital agents
European Journal of Training and Development
ISSN: 2046-9012
Article publication date: 2 November 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare learner experiences of recorded instructional videos (DVDs) with Machinima.
Design/methodology/approach
In this exploratory study, sets of learning sequences in management skills training were delivered to 32 learners using both methods, and learner reactions were gathered using post-event interviews.
Findings
Analysis of learner responses showed that participants prefer Machinima as a learning delivery mechanism. Participants also reported being better able to concentrate on the message of the Machinima learning sequences.
Research limitations/implications
The sample was not representative, being a convenience sample derived by open invitation from cohorts of two master’s degree programmes conducted at the School of Business, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. The age range of the participants was significantly skewed toward a younger age grouping. No learning test was given to assess the teaching efficacy of the methods. Implications for practice include using Machinima to model desirable behaviours to trainees. Future research should extend the research to other settings.
Practical implications
Research should be considered into the potential for Machinima to be considered as a replacement for DVD in management training. Sufficient encouragement arises from this study to suggest that Machinima contains none of the distractions of DVD that are recorded in this study. In addition, many organisations seek to utilise training materials with diverse audiences.
Originality/value
Originality of the study stems from the potential replacement of DVD with Machinima in learning.
Keywords
Citation
Donovan, P. (2015), "Actors and avatars: why learners prefer digital agents", European Journal of Training and Development, Vol. 39 No. 9, pp. 738-768. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-06-2015-0041
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited