What does the computer contribute to learning?

  • Authors:

  • Valerie J. Shute;Lisa A. Gawlick-Grendell

  • Affiliations:

  • Armstrong Laboratory, Human Resources Directorate, Brooks Air Force Base, TX 78235-5352, U.S.A.;Galaxy Scientific Corporation, 1880 Carswell Ave., Bldg 9020, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5507, U.S.A.

  • Venue:
  • Computers & Education
  • Year:
  • 1994

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Abstract

This paper describes a study conducted with Stat Lady, a computer-based approach to teaching and learning the rules of PROBABILITY, based on the postulate that learning is a constructive process, fostered by an experiential learning environment that is anchored in real-world problems. This study compared learning from Stat Lady vs learning from a paper-and-pencil Workbook version of the identical curriculum, and addressed the question: ''What does the computer contribute to learning?'' Findings showed that Stat Lady learners performed at least as well (and in some cases, much better) on the outcome tests compared to the Workbook group. Specifically, we found that (a) Stat Lady was clearly the superior environment for high-aptitude subjects, (b) Stat Lady subjects acquired significantly more declarative knowledge than the Workbook subjects, and (c) regardless of aptitude, the majority of learners found the Stat Lady condition to be significantly more enjoyable and helpful than the Workbook condition. Implications for the design of instructional systems and further research are offered.