Research Details

 

This study evaluated the WIN e-Travel Training System, a simulation-based learning platform developed to enhance tourism and tour guiding education through interactive and experiential learning. Grounded in the growing demand for technology-supported instruction in tourism education, the system was designed to bridge theoretical knowledge and practical communication skills by simulating real-world tour guiding scenarios. The study aimed to determine the system’s effectiveness, acceptability, and user satisfaction, as well as to identify issues encountered and propose improvements based on user experience. 

              A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, using a structured survey questionnaire adapted from the ISO 9241-11 usability framework. The respondents were tourism students who had not yet taken the Tour Guiding subject, selected through purposive sampling. The questionnaire assessed learners’ experiences in terms of navigation, task completion, information structure, workflow efficiency, cognitive load, error prevention, visual design, engagement, accessibility, and overall impression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. 

              Findings revealed that the WIN e-Travel Training System was positively received by users, who reported that the platform was easy to navigate, well-structured, and effective in supporting step-by-step learning. The simulation environment was perceived as engaging and relevant to tourism education, particularly in developing communication readiness and situational understanding. Learners expressed strong motivation and appreciation for the system’s interactive and gamified features, which enhanced their learning experience. At the same time, some usability concerns emerged, particularly regarding rigid progression requirements, assessment retakes, and minor navigation and instructional clarity issues. Users also suggested improvements in simulation realism, multimedia quality, and voice authenticity to further enhance immersion and learning effectiveness. 

              Overall, the study concludes that the WIN e-Travel Training System is an effective and well-accepted simulation-based learning tool that supports meaningful learning experiences in tourism education. It demonstrates strong potential in enhancing learner engagement, communication skills, and experiential understanding of tour guiding, while also highlighting areas for continued refinement to further strengthen its educational value. 

 

As the final phase of the project, this study “Effectiveness and Acceptability Level of the Wonders-of-Ilocos-Norte (WIN) e-Travel Training” was conducted to evaluate the developed application in terms of its effectiveness and acceptability among its intended users. Specifically, the study assessed the extent to which the WIN e-Travel Training enhanced learning experiences and met user expectations in terms of functionality, usability, and instructional value. The findings of this study served as the basis for determining the capability of the developed simulation training application to support tourism and hospitality education, particularly in the field of tour guiding.