Turning Work into Play: Implications for Microcomputer Software Training

Abstract

This study examined the effects of task labelling (as play or work) and trainee age on learning outcomes. Results indicate an interaction between task labelling and age: Younger employees who received training labelled as ‘play’ showed higher motivation to learn and performed better in an objective test of software knowledge than older employees. In contrast, no differences were found between younger and older employees receiving training labelled as ‘work‘. Implications for training are discussed.