Using computer‐based instruction to teach implementation of behavioral skills training

Campanaro et al. (2023) built a 30-minute computer lesson. It shows staff how to run behavioral skills training (BST).

After the module, the new trainers used BST to teach therapists a skill. The team tracked how well the trainers followed each BST step.

The computer lesson worked. Trainers hit high fidelity when they later ran BST with real staff.

The therapists they trained also learned the target skill. A short online module replaced hours of live coaching.

McGeown et al. (2013) seems to disagree. Their live BST beat a computer-only package for teaching discrete trials. The key difference is rehearsal. The 2013 study gave no practice; the 2023 module added video models and built-in tests. Practice inside the module may close the gap.

Mount et al. (2011) and Pettingell et al. (2022) back the idea. Both used computer lessons to reach 100 % accuracy on DTT and trial-based FAs. The new paper widens the menu: the same format now trains people to run BST itself.

Campanaro et al. (2023) also directly replicates their own 2023 DTT study. Same year, same design, same positive result. The only swap is the skill being taught—BST steps instead of discrete trials.

You can put the module on your learning platform today. New hires finish in half an hour and come to supervision ready to coach others. You save senior staff time while keeping quality high. Try it for your next BST train-the-trainer cycle.