Authors:
Barry Cartwright
and
Sheri Fabian
Affiliation:
Simon Fraser University, Canada
Keyword(s):
Alternative Learning Technologies, Student Response Systems, Traditional Tutorials, i>clicker Tutorials, Online Tutorials, Online Learning, Online Surveys, Learning Outcomes, Blended Learning, Hybrid Learning.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Active Learning
;
Blended Learning
;
Computer-Supported Education
;
Course Design and e-Learning Curriculae
;
e-Learning
;
e-Learning Hardware and Software
;
e-Learning Platforms
;
Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
;
Pattern Recognition
;
Simulation and Modeling
;
Simulation Tools and Platforms
;
Social Context and Learning Environments
;
Theory and Methods
Abstract:
The researchers invited university students enrolled in two different offerings of a large introductory course
which had recently transitioned from traditional tutorials to student response system (i>clicker) tutorials,
four different offerings of two courses which had recently transitioned from traditional tutorials to online
tutorials, plus two different upper division courses which continued to employ traditional tutorials to
participate in an online survey regarding their experiences with traditional tutorials, fully online tutorials,
and tutorials that employed student response systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate student
perceptions of and experiences with alternative learning technologies, and to determine whether these
alternative technologies improved learning outcomes when compared to more traditional teaching methods.
This paper reports on the design and implementation of the i>clicker and online tutorials, the design and
administration of the online
survey, and strategies employed to enhance student participation in the survey.
While there was no measurable difference in terms of learning outcomes, the survey results indicate that
students prefer online tutorials over i>clicker and traditional tutorials, and that there is generally a high level
of student satisfaction when it comes to alternative learning technologies. The researchers were able to
identify which facets of traditional, i>clicker and online tutorials the students found most appealing (and/or
useful), and which facets they did not find appealing and/or useful.
(More)