Title

Developing Effective Online Training Tools For Maine Adaptive Sports And Recreation

Authors

Kristina Jamo, University of New EnglandFollow
Emily Gall, University of New EnglandFollow
Shannon Bergeland, University of New EnglandFollow
Chelsea Paul, University of New EnglandFollow

Faculty Advisor(s)

James T. Cavanaugh

Document Type

Course Paper

Publication Date

12-14-2017

Rights

© 2017 Kristina Jamo, Emily Gall, Shannon Bergeland, Chelsea Paul

Abstract

Background: Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation (MASR) relies on volunteers to instruct their participants with disabilities to participate in a variety of adaptive sport programs. Volunteers must have a comprehensive understanding of participants’ health conditions to assist appropriately. MASR’s traditional training program lacked a formal curriculum and assessment of volunteer learning. Our purpose was to create online learning modules and determine whether implementing a massed or distributed schedule resulted in better long term retention. Methods: Two non-randomized groups of eleven adults were assigned to either an in-class, massed format (Group A) or an at-home, distributed schedule (Group B) to complete six online learning modules. Participant competence was assessed prior, immediately after, and two weeks after completion of learning modules. A global rating scale survey and satisfaction survey were also completed to determine perceived confidence in using the information learned and obtain feedback. Results: Post-hoc testing revealed both groups had significant increase in competence after reviewing the modules, in terms of both immediate recall and long-term retention scores compared to baseline. There was a significant difference between group pre-test scores, but no difference between the groups’ immediate recall or long-term retention scores. Both groups exceeded the MCIC score of 2 points for the Global Rate of Change Scale, indicating a notable increase in confidence. Participants reported the modules to be beneficial and effective in the Volunteer Satisfaction Survey. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the online learning modules were effective regardless of the applied learning schedule. Both groups increased their competence and reported improved confidence with the presented material. A small sample size and discrepancies in participant demographics between groups presented limitations which prohibit recommending a superior learning schedule.

Comments

The research poster for this paper can be found here: http://dune.une.edu/pt_studrrposter/3

Learning modules and quizzes described in the project can be found here:
http://dune.une.edu/masr_training/

Quiz and answer key attached as additional files are also available within this paper.

Recommended Citation

Jamo, Kristina; Gall, Emily; Bergeland, Shannon; and Paul, Chelsea, "Developing Effective Online Training Tools For Maine Adaptive Sports And Recreation" (2017). Research Report Papers. 3.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studrrpaper/3