Wearing a Mask at Work
A hybrid learning solution
Wearing a Mask at Work is a hybrid asynchronous and in-person training solution. The learning activity consists of a 15-20 minute Adobe Captivate module and a 10-20 minute in-person review and evaluation.
Audience: Foodservice workers required to wear masks during the Covid-19 pandemic
Tools used: Adobe Captivate, Microsoft Word
Overview:
Foodservice workers have always followed complex practices for food safety. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is forcing businesses to adapt to ever-evolving regulations and recommendations for enhanced sanitation. This has placed a large cognitive load on food service workers. Experienced foodservice workers are masters of hand-washing and PPE such as hairnets and gloves, but wearing cloth face coverings consistently and hygienically has been challenging. Discomfort from wearing an item that touches one’s face can lead to accidental unhygienic mask handling.
I created this quick asynchronous module combined with a short 1:1 practical assessment to help foodservice workers overcome this psychomotor challenge through repetition, practice in performance context, and social reinforcement.
Process:
During analysis, it was clear that a detailed goal analysis diagram was needed to identify entry skills. I leaned heavily on this diagram as a guide when writing performance objectives and verifying the module’s content.
During the design phase, I chose to turn this module into a hybrid course (asynchronous eLearning with face-to-face practice and assessment). This approach stuck a balance between efficiency and effectiveness. The eLearning portion conserves valuable trainer time and ensures that every learner gets the same procedural instructions. Learners benefit from the in-context practice and social motivation during the face-to-face portion – factors that translate into real behavioral changes.
I chunked eLearning into small bite-sized sections and kept the ARCS model of motivation in mind. I incorporate fun graphics (attention), highlight the risks of unhygienic mask handling (relevance), reference entry skills (confidence), and include easy practice questions (satisfaction).
The facilitator’s guide for Wearing a Mask at Work includes detailed instructions and rubrics for the in-person activity and test. It also includes the details on the intentions behind the training and tips for facilitators to help gain ever-important buy-in from key staff.
The eLearning module was evaluated using a pre-test/post-test format. All test respondents were able to explain proper mask handling and rationale behind the proper steps more clearly and confidently after the completing the eLearning than before.