Evaluation of computer-based training to teach staff to implement free-operant preference assessments

Computer and video technology emerging over the last few years provide more opportunities to deliver quality staff trainings while increasing efficiency and reducing costs associated with trainings. The purpose of this study is to extend previous research by evaluating the effectiveness of computer instruction training to teach entry level staff to conduct a free preference assessment to be used with adults with developmental disabilities. This study focuses on the impact of utilizing computer instruction, without a trainer present, for entry level staff's competency to (a) implement the target steps of a free-operant preference assessment, (b) score and interpret the results of the data, and (c) maintain competency of skills taught after training is complete. Results of this study demonstrate increased performance of staff's implementation of the target steps of the assessment from a baseline average of 53.6% to 96.6% after training provided via computer-based instruction alone. During generalization phase, staff trainee's average accuracy of completing target steps maintained at 96% accuracy, while maintenance accuracy was 100% accuracy across three trainees two weeks after the training. Outcomes of the current study supports the use of computer-based learning alone as being an effective mode to training staff in less than 40 minutes training time.