Blocking Learner Error States in a Training-Wheels System

Abstract

Some of the most troubling problems for users of computer equipment arise in the getting started stage. A “training-wheels” system was designed for a commercial word processor in which system functions that new users typically do not need, but which can be springboards for errors and confusions, were disabled. The training-wheels word processor improved learning efficiency in two experiments, one of which examined learning by doing and the other, learning by the book.