Tailoring Computer-Based Training for Latino Immigrant Workers: Pilot Test of the NIOSH Mouse Tutorial

Abstract

An interactive tutorial on using a mouse for first-time computer users was developed as part of a training CD-ROM tailored for Latino immigrant workers in trenching and excavation. It was designed for Spanish-speaking users with varying levels of formal education. The tutorial was tested in focus groups with workers who had little or no previous experience using a computer. Findings revealed that while users with less than a fourth-grade education and/or low proficiency in Spanish had some difficulties with the tutorial, they still scored above 67 percent on the performance evaluation; participants with at least a fourth-grade education (the majority) completed it with minimal assistance and scored 80%–100% on the performance evaluation. Feedback from participant focus groups following the computer sessions supported these findings. The results of this study suggest that computer-based training may be able to be made accessible for low computer literacy Latino immigrant workers, if it is tailored to their needs.

Keywords

computer-based training Latino immigrants computer literacy occupational safety and health training occupational health equity

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