About the Literature Review

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The literature review focuses on understanding more about technology-based learning (TBL), how it has been used for work-related skills and training, and whether it has been effective. It examines the literature on TBL interventions, factors associated with effectiveness, gaps in the knowledge base, and possible directions for future research.

Key Takeaways

• Definitive evidence of the effectiveness of particular TBL designs for employment outcomes is limited.
• The effectiveness of technology-only solutions is particularly unclear.
• Interaction with instructors and learners is valuable.
• TBL faces many of the same challenges that plague more traditional forms of instruction.
• Provider concerns over development and/or migration costs remain pervasive.
• Technological literacy continues to be a challenge.
• Employer acceptance of TBL-based credentials is not universal.
• TBL offerings are increasingly widespread, but demand and use has lagged by comparison.
• The emerging generation of learning technologies holds enormous promise but still requires rigorous evaluation.

Citation

Gan, K.N., Schneider, G., Epstein, Z., Silverman, A. (2014). Abt Associates. Technology-Based Learning (TBL) in Workforce Development and Education: A Review of the Research Literature. Chief Evaluation Office, U.S. Department of Labor.

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This study was sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration, Office of Policy Development and Research, Division of Research and Evaluation, and was produced outside of CEO’s standard research development process.