Donovan, Paul
(2015)
Actors and avatars: why learners
prefer digital agents.
European Journal of Training and Development, 39 (9).
pp. 738-768.
ISSN 2046-9012
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.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
Second life; Modelling; Virtual reality; Machinima; Media in education;
Teaching/learning strategies; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Business |
| Item ID: |
11310 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-06-2015-0041 |
| Depositing User: |
Paul Donovan
|
| Date Deposited: |
16 Oct 2019 11:48 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
European Journal of Training and Development |
| Publisher: |
Emerald |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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