SBIR-STTR Award

EMT proposes to test the feasibility of developing and implementing a series of Web-based training modules for prevention practitioners. Research has shown that prevention program effectiveness is strongly correlated with adequate training, but many prevention programs lack adequate training due to a host of barriers, such as cost, logistical constraints, and the generally inefficient nature of existing prevention training methods. Web-based learning offers the potential to alleviate many of these barriers because of its accessibility, low cost, learning efficiency, and convenience. Our goal for Phase I is to determine the viability of Web-based prevention training by 1) developing a Web-based course prototype for two instructor led prevention training modules, 2) testing the prototype with prevention program staff, and 3) conducting a large telephone survey of the field to better understand the feasibility of Web-based prevention training at local prevention settings. The long-term objectives for Phase II are to design and develop the rich diversity of training materials developed at EMT into an interactive Web-based curriculum that can be accessed by prevention practitioners across the country. In addition, we plan to expand our target base to include other settings where prevention training can positively affect the lives of youth, such as schools.

Thesaurus Terms:
alcoholism /alcohol abuse prevention, computer assisted instruction, curriculum, drug abuse prevention, educational resource design /development, health care personnel education, training Internet, alcoholism /alcohol abuse education, drug abuse education, interactive multimedia clinical research, human subject

The overall purpose of our proposed Phase II research and development (R&D) is to develop a research-based and commercially viable e-learning curriculum and support system that will improve the quality and effectiveness of alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention services provided in school and community settings. To achieve this purpose, we will implement the following steps: a) we will conduct surveys to develop and refine a catalog of high-quality, evidence-based, interactive e-learning courses for the AOD prevention field. This catalog will include approximately 50 courses (e.g., 8 courses per topic domain across 6 domains), b) We will develop and test three alternative course scenarios using different mixes of narrative storyboard, interactive graphic, and audio-video delivery format. We will specify optimal format mixes according to learner reaction, development cost, willingness to pay, and technological feasibility, c) Following the optimal format, we will develop six prototype e-learning courses, one within each of the content domains identified in the curriculum catalog. Each course will be designed for approximately one hour of self-paced instruction, d) Using a randomized design, we will test these prototypes with and without support enhancement (e.g., information links, peer-learner and instructor communications capability, and technical assistance follow-up). The primary outcomes to be tested will be the degree to which enhancements increase the application of training information and skills in the workplace, e) Following this test, we will develop a package of enhancements, or enhancement options, that represent a research-based approach to strengthening the degree to which training information and skills in the workplace.

Thesaurus Terms:
alcoholism /alcohol abuse prevention, computer assisted instruction, curriculum, drug abuse prevention, educational resource design /development, health care personnel education, training Internet, alcoholism /alcohol abuse education, drug abuse education, interactive multimedia behavioral /social science research tag, clinical research, human subject