Computer skills and student learning:The impact of feedback and on-line learning resourceson student learning performance

摘要

There is much interest in applying WWW andrnInternet technology to learning. This study addresses onernimportant aspect of the web-base learning process:rnfeedback. The way in which feedback is provided to arnlearner has been found to have a strong impact onrnlearning performance (e.g., Bangert-Downs, et al., 1991).rnThe primary research question in this study is “Whatrnimpact will an automated feedback mechanism have onrnlearning performance of computer skills?” Based on arnreview of the literature and theory, it is hypothesized thatrnthe feedback mechanism developed for this study willrnsignificantly improve learning performance. Arnlongitudinal field experiment is presently being conductedrnto answer the research question. Research data is beingrncollected from over three hundred students taking anrnintroductory computer skills course. The learning tasksrnfor the study will include a series of microcomputer skillrnassignments involving such skills as file management,rnword processing, and spreadsheet development. Anrnautomated feedback tool will provide feedback tornstudents. The tool will use a computer program tornevaluate student work and prepare a customized report tornthe student describing the aspects of each student’s workrnthat were not performed correctly.