cTRAIN: a computer-aided training system developed in SuperCard for teaching skills using behavioral education principles

Abstract

A computer-aided training program was developed in SuperCard and piloted with professional painters. Taking a modern programmed-instruction/behavioral-education approach, cTRAIN is structured as a series of information sets. Each information set consists of a series of information screens (three to five recommended) followed by quiz screens (one to three recommended) structured as four-response multiple choice questions. Correct quiz responses produce positive feedback and continuation in the series, whereas incorrect responses result in "error" feedback and return the student to the beginning of the information set to repeat the same information screens and the same quiz question. This report demonstrates a specific implementation, respiratory protection requirements, using the flexible cTRAIN system for developing training modules. Fifteen adults completed the respiratory protection program, demonstrating substantial and significant (p < .0001 by paired t test) gains from baseline pretest (19.4 out of 30 questions) to the immediate posttest (28.1). Performance remained elevated (26.4) on a retest taken 1 week later.