The Effectiveness of Applying Multimedia Web-Based Technologies in Culinary Skills Training

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of the use of multimedia web-based technologies in culinary skills training with a mixed method. One hundred high school students of hospitality programme in Taiwan were recruited and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups respectively using multimedia web-based educational technologies and traditional educational methods, with two dishes (one basic and one advanced) as target contents to be learned and delivered. The findings indicated that the experimental group performed better on both dishes. The effect size validated the applicability of multimedia web-based technologies in culinary skills training. A focus group of 10 interviewees from the experimental group were formed for qualitative part of research. Furthermore, results of focus group interviews revealed that convenience was mentioned by eight interviewees as a benefit of the experimental instructional method, while the ability to present material with captions was seen as the most significant functionality.