The Effectiveness of E-Learning in Preparing Potential Volunteers

An Action Research Study

By Morgan Mamizuka

Aloha!I am Morgan Mamizuka

MEd Learning Design & Technology candidate, UH Mānoa

Volunteer Coordinator, Hanauma Bay Education Program,University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program

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Have you ever been interested in volunteering but didn’t know where to start?

Poll

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Introduction

● HBEP’s Mission:○ Enhance appreciation, promote

understanding and stewardship through public education

● 100+ Volunteer Interpretive Guides○ Important conservation, safety & park

information

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Current Volunteer Onboarding Process

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RecruitmentOnline volunteer networksVolunteer fairsNewspaperWalk-in inquiries

Application & InterviewApplication formsReference checksSite visit

Face-to-face TrainingFour weekly sessions16 hoursExpert speakers

Shadow ShiftsProbationary period = Minimum of 4 shifts (16+ hours)

Observation & Hands-on experience

Problem

● Current process requires much effort, poor results● Rigorous F2F training commitment● Many begin training, but fail to complete or change minds

● Needs○ Streamline process for introducing applicants to volunteer role○ Asynchronous - Flexibility and convenience for busy

applicants/staff○ Motivate applicants to decide early on if they can commit (or not)

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“An institution’s training reputation plays a big role in training effectiveness because it

affects a trainee’s pre-training motivation to commit to the program.

(Switzer, Nagy, & Mullins, 2005)

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Purpose Statement

To investigate the impact of a web-based orientation for potential HBEP volunteers before they commit to participating in a training program.

Methodology

Research Questions:1. How will potential volunteers’ knowledge of required tasks and

confidence level in carrying them out benefit from completing an online orientation before participating in a rigorous face-to-face training program?

2. How does the implementation of an online orientation impact the decision of potential volunteers to continue on with the face-to-face training program after completing the orientation

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Participants

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Conceptual Framework

Constructivist Approach● Encourage active engagement● Include real-world tasks● Opportunity for reflection

Literature Review● Adult learners● Online learning● Training volunteers

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Design

● Review existing HBEP training/informational materials○ Determine what’s essential

● Draft website layout○ WireframePro for Google

● Create website using Wix

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Place your screenshot here

Design

Website Content● Pre- and Post-tutorial surveys● HBEP program policies, volunteer

workstations, tasks● Real-world scenarios● Park layout, amenities, emergency

personnel, etc.

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Design

Format● PDF of HBEP Volunteer Handbook excerpts● Embedded slideshow using Google Slides● Links to existing resources online● Flipgrid activities● Google Forms

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HBEP New Volunteer Orientation Website

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Results

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N = 10 participants in this study

Results

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N = 10 participants in this study

Results

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N = 10 participants in this study

Post-Tutorial Open-Ended Feedback

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● Participants felt prepared for first shadow shift○ Good info on what to expect○ Answered questions○ Flipgrid helped with practice, but needs much

improvement● Pre- and post-surveys showed growth● Flexibility● Want to see actual volunteers

Discussion

Next Steps● Improve Flipgrid settings or change platform● Develop videos of volunteers

○ In action at workstations○ Testimonial interviews

● Use for before the next round of F2F training!

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Mahalo!Any questions?