Experimental Study in the Use of Computer-Based Instruction to Teach AutomatedSpreadsheet Functions

摘要

Educational institutions at all levels are increasingly examining the advantagesof computer-based instruction (CBI) to augment or replace conventional classroom learning environments. This research measures the effectiveness and efficiency of a CBI program in relation to the same course content delivered in a conventional classroom mode of an undergraduate course that teaches students the basic concepts and techniques of automated (electronic) spreadsheets. A CBI program was created to mirror the in-class instructional material of the course. The performance of the students who took the course by CBI was compared to the performance of the students who took the course in the conventional mode. The CBI course was found to be significantly more efficient while producing learning effect similar to the conventional mode of instruction. The students' prior experience and knowledge levels were offset by learning in either instructional mode. The initially weaker students were not identifiably weaker after completing the course by either method. Self-reported prior experience was an effective indicator of the students' actual pre-course knowledge level, but not an indicator of the students' post course performance.