USING THE INTERNET TO EXTEND TRAINING IN TEAM PROBLEM-SOLVING

A hybrid training approach, composed of both computer-mediated communi cation on the Internet and face-to-face meetings, was implemented. The goals were to examine whether such an approach (1) could be used to e xtend traditional, short-term training, and (2) would be perceived as useful by the trainees. A central element of the approach was the linc hpin expert, a trainer who served as a communication bridge on the Int ernet between a team of trainers and a team of trainees. A coding syst em was developed to analyze the content of the Internet messages. Logi stic regression analysis revealed that two types of content were relat ed to the trainees' perceptions that the messages enhanced their exper tise in team problem solving: (1) outcome feedback given to a trainee about a specific activity, and (2) the sharing of conceptual informati on. The trainees perceived face-to-face and computer-mediated communic ations with the linchpin expert as being important to their developmen t of expertise.