Comparison of Effectiveness of Computer Graded vs Instructor Graded Homework Assignments in an Elementary Spanish Course: A Comparative Study at Two Undergraduate Institutions
Abstract
Researchers at the United States Air Force Academy and Metropolitan State College of Denver collaborated on a study to determine the effectiveness of computer-graded vs. instructor-graded homework assignments in elementary Spanish courses at their respective institutions. Subjects completed one or the other type of online activities tied directly to the textbook of the course and accessed via the online ancillary MySpanishLab. Subjects were randomly assigned to activity type and then completed this type of activity for the duration of a complete chapter of the text. Both subject groups were then tested by administration of the same chapter test for the text used at their institution. Following completion of the chapter, the online activities, and the administration of the evaluation instrument, subjects were asked to complete a satisfaction survey indicating their reactions to and preferences for a particular type of online activity. No significant differences were found between groups on chapter test scores. Nevertheless, definite differences were noted indicating strong preferences for one type of activity over another. In addition, some striking differences between subject responses from each institution provide useful insight into potential adjustments to curricular planning and future research in this area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2012
- Accession Number
- AD1029761
Entities
People
- Jean W. Leloup
- Lunden Macdonald
- Richard Dabrowski
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy