Errorless Learning and the Acquisition of Word Processing Skills

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Abstract
Word processing and other computer-based tasks represent an important dimension to rehabilitation because of the increasing prevalence of computers in both recreation and employment. This study describes an investigation into the use of errorless learning (EL) as a means of teaching basic word processing skills to a memory-impaired individual. The protocol we used incorporated established EL methods together with spaced repetition. The basic training was carried out using a simplified version of a commercially available word processing package. The package was menu-driven and therefore encouraged the use of recognition memory rather than explicit recall of commands. The task of word processing was broken down into a hierarchy of subskills. An incremental learning procedure was applied in which the subject was taught one set of subskills and given plenty of practice, before the next set was introduced in parallel. The participant was trained to follow a set procedure, for example, to open and edit an existing file. When this procedure was well established, the subject was given practice in carrying out the procedure without instructions. Thus there was an opportunity to assess transfer skills. The participant, a man with memory impairment following viral encephalitis, showed improvement on all exercises and was able to use the skills acquired during training to perform the same tasks without instructions.