Computer-based training for safety: comparing methods with older and younger workers.
BACKGROUND
Computer-based safety training is becoming more common and is being delivered to an increasingly aging workforce. Aging results in a number of changes that make it more difficult to learn from certain types of computer-based training. Instructional designs derived from cognitive learning theories may overcome some of these difficulties.


METHODS
Three versions of computer-based respiratory safety training were shown to older and younger workers who then took a high and a low level learning test.


RESULTS
Younger workers did better overall. Both older and younger workers did best with the version containing text with pictures and audio narration.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-based training with pictures and audio narration may be beneficial for workers over 45 years of age.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-based safety training has advantages but workers of different ages may benefit differently. Computer-based safety programs should be designed and selected based on their ability to effectively train older as well as younger learners.
Wallen
Erik S
ES
VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1600 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
Mulloy
Karen B
KB
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004581:Electronics; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019212:Multimedia; D016272:Occupational Health; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D015206:Southwestern United States; D014163:Transfer, Psychology