Trainee reactions to learner control: an important link in the e-learning equationf

This paper examines the benefits and limitations of learner control functionality in the e-learning environment. A quasi-experiment with 237 learners was conducted to examine the role of high-level learner control (i.e. enabling trainee "choice" to complete an e-learning program with or without interactive learner control features versus completion of the program without consideration of personal preference) in trainee reactions and learning in an e-learning environment. Results suggest that high-level learner control positively influences affective and utility-based reactions to these features, which in turn influence overall satisfaction with the e-learning program. Moreover, trainees' overall satisfaction was found to influence actual learning of the instructional content. Practical and future research implications for providing trainees with high-level learner control, as well as other state-of-the-art learner control features, are discussed. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]