Replacing 'conventional' teaching with learning technology in an introductory course on fast fracture: a comparative study

Maggie Pollock*, Fiona Henderson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This research paper investigates a way of evaluating an educational intervention, and compares the learning outcomes of a Computer Aided Learning (CAL) package with a conventional lecture. It has been suggested that uses of comparative studies in the evaluation of technology-based educational interventions are not productive, as there is a belief that the situation is too complex. However, this paper proposes that there is value in comparative studies by developing innovative, ethical ways which allow educators to gain greater insight into the students' perceptions of a teaching intervention, and its actual effect. It also attempts to test the hypothesis that the CAL package could replace the lecture without disadvantaging student learning. This study compares a CAL package with a lecture, both introducing the concept of Fast Fracture. It found a significant improvement in performance on a content-related quiz amongst the control and the experimental groups. It also found that the students significantly increased their confidence in being able to fulfil the objectives of the teaching session regardless of grouping. It was concluded that there was no evidence that replacing the lecture with a CAL package would disadvantage the students' learning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2007 37th Annual Frontiers In Education Conference - Global Engineering: Knowledge Without Borders, Opportunities Without Passports
PublisherIEEE
PagesF3J-15 - F3J-20
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781424410835
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event37th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference - Milwaukee, United States
Duration: 10 Oct 200713 Oct 2007
https://archive.fie-conference.org/fie2007/index.html (Link to conference website)

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
ISSN (Print)0190-5848
ISSN (Electronic)2377-634X

Conference

Conference37th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference
Abbreviated titleFIE 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMilwaukee
Period10/10/0713/10/07
Internet address

Keywords

  • Comparative studies
  • Computer aided learning
  • Educational interventions
  • Fast fracture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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