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.