Assessing the Effectiveness of Web-Based Tutorials Using Pre- and Post-Test Measurements

Abstract

Computer technology in general and the Internet in particular have facilitated as well as motivated the development of Web-based tutorials (MacKinnon & Williams, 2006). The current research study describes a pedagogical approach that exploits the use of self-paced, Web-based tutorials for assisting students with reviewing grammar and mechanics in a business communications course. The adopted tutorial consists of (1) grammatical and mechanical rules, (2) sentence reinforcement exercises, and (3) interactive diagnostic testing, all with immediate feedback and explanations.The purpose of the study was to determine if the use of Web-based tutorials significantly improved student performance using pre-and post-test measurements. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare learning outcomes. The results indicate that the use of Web-based tutorials to review grammar and mechanics significantly impacted students' scores from pre-test to final post-test.

Efectos de la instrucción de estrategias de lectura, mediadas por TIC, en la comprensión lectora del inglés

“…Dicha característica activa los procesos de comprensión, puesto que faculta ambientes de aprendizaje interactivos que conjugan los distintos estilos de aprendizaje y con ello permiten controlar la secuencia y el ritmo del material instruccional. Son especialmente útiles en tanto que aportan información que le permite a los usuarios resolver situaciones específicas (Guy y Lownes-Jackson, 2012).…”

Measuring difference in knowledge achievement and satisfaction between viewing interactive and linear online learning modules

“…To help with some aspect of this determination, student interactivity with the navigation features of learning modules should be explored to identify the relationship between interactivity level and knowledge achievement and the relationship between interactivity level and student satisfaction. Student interactivity with navigation features may increase knowledge achievement as the student engages with the learning module to gain access to the information presented (Godwin, Thorpe, & Richardson, 2008;Guy & Lownes-Jackson;. Student satisfaction may influence and also be influenced by the learning experience (Cacciamani, Cesareni, Martini, Ferrini, & Fujita, 2012;Galy, Downey, & Johnson, 2011;Guo, 2010;Korkmaz & Karakus, 2009).…”

“…Student may not grasp the material being presented and consequently may perceive elearning as cold and impersonal. A well-designed course should include modes of communication such as email, learning management system communication tools, discussion boards, blogs, and use of social media to achieve deep learning and to create a sense of community within the student group (Abdelaziz et al, 2011;Beaudoin et al, 2009;Borstorff & Lowe, 2007;Galy et al, 2011;Guy & Lownes-Jackson, 2012;Mortagy & Boghikian-Whitby, 2010). Offering well-designed and well-facilitated e-learning increases the chances of success.…”

“…It is also supported that well-designed e-learning can increase development of critical thinking skills, student achievement, and student learner satisfaction, which in turn increase student's ability to engage in and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Learner satisfaction affects the willingness of a learner to continue to access e-learning and also affects how the learner interacts with e-learning potentially affecting knowledge achieved and gained (Beaudoin et al, 2009;Guy & Lownes-Jackson, 2012;Korkmaz & Karakus, 2009;Lee, 2010;Lin, 2011;Mortagy & Boghikian-Whitby, 2010;Selim, 2007;Sun et al, 2008;Udo et al, 2011).…”

Contribution to the authoring, distribution, evaluation and integration of learning objects

“…Since that time, a huge amount of literature has been published on this topic [2]. Various benefits of using Learning Objects have been already exposed by several studies that have examined their acceptance and instructional effectiveness in terms of student engagement and academic performance across different educational environments [3]- [23] as well as their capacity to be reused [24]- [28]. Once their success has been widely recognized, some studies have begun to explore the factors that influence the acceptance and effectiveness of this kind of educational resource [29]- [37].…”