Are your users actively involved? A cognitive absorption perspective in mobile training

The advancement of today's mobile technologies makes mobile training possible. However, how to engage users in deep learning in a mobile environment remains a challenge, especially in critical training areas such as road safety training. This study aims to understand the role of five different dimensions of cognitive absorption (CA) (i.e., temporal dissociation, focused immersion, heightened enjoyment, control, and curiosity) in training outcomes and how affective and cognitive involvements leverage this learning process. In this study, we designed and implemented a mobile multimedia training system for users who need training for their license test in the field. We then conducted a field study with over five hundred road users with pre- and post-questionnaires. The study findings indicate that the cognitive absorption plays a significant role in affecting users' deep involvement, which in turn impacts training outcomes. In addition, all CA constructs apart from control influence perceived technology usefulness, which is also a major contributor to perceived learning. The relationship between CA constructs and perceived usefulness is obtained through cognitive and affective involvement, while cognitive involvement is more dominant in this study context.