Learning efficiency of two ICT-based instructional strategies in Greek sheep farmers

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to compare the learning efficiency of two information and communications technology (ICT)-based instructional strategies (multimedia presentation (MP) and concept mapping) in a sample (n = 187) of Greek sheep farmers operating mainly in Western Greece. Design/methodology/approach: In total, 15 instructional sessions have taken place. The knowledge assessment of the farmers, before and after the instructional interventions, was based on answers given to five questions of graded difficulty and the SOLO (Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes) taxonomy. Findings: The two instructional strategies showed comparable learning outcomes. Furthermore, prior participation to training sessions as well as the participants’ advanced education level enhanced the learning outcome. Practical implications: Simple applications of ICTs such as MPs and concept maps can be exploited in sheep farmers’ training. Special attention has to be paid to the content and the context of the digital learning material. Originality/value: The study contributes to the lack of evidence regarding the assessment of learning outcomes of instructional strategies assisted by digital learning environments in livestock farmers.

KEYWORDS:

• Vocational training
• sheep farmers
• instructional strategies
• concept map
• multimedia presentation
• SOLO taxonomy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.