%0 Journal Article
%T Bilingual, Digital, Audio-Visual Training Modules Improve Technical Knowledge of Feedlot and Dairy Workers
%A Christopher D. Reinhardt
%A Daniel U. Thomson
%A Deanna D. Retzlaff
%A Brooks Butler
%J Online Journal of Rural Research & Policy
%D 2010
%I New Prairie Press
%R 10.4148/ojrrp.v5i7.266
%X Two studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of digital multimedia modules as training tools for animal care workers.  Employees at a commercial feedlot (n = 17) and a commercial dairy (n = 10) were asked to independently complete a 10-question quiz prior to and following viewing of training modules.  Module topics in the feedlot were proper handling of non-ambulatory animals and humane methods of euthanasia; modules were administered to the workers, as a group, in either English (n = 7) or Spanish (N = 10), depending on previously indicated worker preference.  Modules addressing dairy cattle health practices and dairy cattle handling were presented to the dairy care workers who had a preference for learning in either English (n = 7) or Spanish (n = 3).  For feedlot workers, post-test scores were improved by 28% after viewing the modules compared to pre-test scores (74% vs. 58%; P < 0.01), across language and topic.  There were no interactions (P > 0.30) between language, topic, and between-test variation, indicating that the modules were equally effective at information delivery to both audiences in both languages.  For the dairy workers, test scores improved by 27% from pre-viewing to post-viewing (73% vs. 92%; P < 0.01); there was an interaction between the effect of module and language preference (P < 0.01) indicating that although scores increased for both of the topic areas for the English-speaking workers, only the score for the animal health topic increased for the Spanish-speaking workers.  Regardless of nationality, level of formal education, topic, or preferred language, digital media are effective at improving knowledge transfer to animal care professionals.
%K Multimedia Training
%K Feedlot Employee Training
%K Dairy Employee Training
%K Agriculture Working Training in Spanish
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.4148/ojrrp.v5i7.266