Studying the Effectiveness of Online Homework for Different Skill Levels in a College Algebra Course

Online Homework in Engineering Mathematics: Can We Narrow the Performance Gap?

“…Previous research comparing the use of paper-based homework to online homework has typically reported no significant difference in student learning [15]- [18]. The studies conclude that the homework medium was not a deciding factor for student performance.…”

“…The effects of online homework on students with different incoming mathematics skills have been studied by Mathai and Olsen [18], Brewer and Becker [16] and Macnab et al [24]. Whereas Mathai and Olsen [18] report that only students with high incoming skills benefited from online homework, Brewer and Becker [16] reported contrary results.…”

“…The effects of online homework on students with different incoming mathematics skills have been studied by Mathai and Olsen [18], Brewer and Becker [16] and Macnab et al [24]. Whereas Mathai and Olsen [18] report that only students with high incoming skills benefited from online homework, Brewer and Becker [16] reported contrary results. In fact, Brewer and Becker found that while high-skilled students benefited equally from online and paper-based homework, low-skilled students showed significantly higher mathematical achievement when completing online homework as compared to paper-based homework.…”

“…The mathematics placement test score and the number of online homework problems solved during the semester were also positively correlated, r s (119) = .36, p < .001. Regarding the intensity of use within the three groups segmented by the placement test score, 91% of the students with a high mathematics placement test score (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) but only 56% of those with a low test score (0-11) used the online homework regularly.…”

The Creation and Implementation of Effective Homework Assignments (Part 1): Creation

“…In "A Comparison of Web-based and Paper-and-Pencil Homework on Student Performance in College Algebra," Shandy Hauk, Robert Powers, and Angelo Segalla present a study measuring differences in achievement levels in College Algebra between students given online homework and those assigned traditional paper-and-pencil homework [5]. Elizabeth Mathai and Darlene Olsen present another study in "Studying the Effectiveness of Online Homework for Different Skill Levels in a College Algebra Course," comparing the performance for subpopulations of College Algebra students on a final exam to assess the effectiveness of online homework [10]. A number of authors examine online homework in calculus courses.…”