A Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach in an Undergraduate Plant Physiology Class1

Abstract

We used Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach (CAPA), a networked teaching and learning tool that generates computer individualized homework problem sets, in our large-enrollment introductory plant physiology course. We saw significant improvement in student examination performance with regular homework assignments, with CAPA being an effective and efficient substitute for hand-graded homework. Using CAPA, each student received a printed set of similar but individualized problems of a conceptual (qualitative) and/or quantitative nature with quality graphics. Because each set of problems is unique, students were encouraged to work together to clarify concepts but were required to do their own work for credit. Students could enter answers multiple times without penalty, and they were able to obtain immediate feedback and hints until the due date. These features increased student time on task, allowing higher course standards and student achievement in a diverse student population. CAPA handles routine tasks such as grading, recording, summarizing, and posting grades. In anonymous surveys, students indicated an overwhelming preference for homework in CAPA format, citing several features such as immediate feedback, multiple tries, and on-line accessibility as reasons for their preference. We wrote and used more than 170 problems on 17 topics in introductory plant physiology, cataloging them in a computer library for general access. Representative problems are compared and discussed.

Teaching with ALN Technology: Benefits and Costs*

“…Surveys of students indicate that students' attitudes have been and continue to be highly positive, and students give the system high grades for helping them learn and understand. 1,[3][4][5][6] Instructors also have expressed satisfaction and often enthusiasm. 7 Investigation of exam performance and grade distributions has demanded some control on the performance standards used and grading methods employed.…”

“…We note, however, that evaluating educational effectiveness of new teaching methods represents a uniquely difficult endeavor because there are few, if any, widely used standards that provide a reliable and objective scale on which student achievement can be measured. Previous analyses of data generated by oncampus physics courses using the CAPA system have resulted in a number of findings, many of which also have been replicated in other disciplines and at other institutions: 3,5,[9][10][11] q A majority of students, typically 80%, consider that CAPA helps them learn and understand the course material. The technology allows high standards to be implemented while providing students with the opportunity to achieve those standards.…”

Implementing a Large On-Campus ALN: Faculty Perspective

“…The principal ALN tool used was CAPA, a computer system developed at MSU over the past seven years. In the initial experience with its use, a 90-student science class, student reaction was very positive and has since been replicated in numerous other disciplines and at other institutions [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. This integrated software system has been used to ■ Prepare, deliver, and grade personalized homework, quizzes and examinations.…”

“…The strong emphasis on conceptual problems within CAPA makes it is a useful tool for many fields [7,9,10]. Figure 1 shows an example of a conceptual problem.…”