This study evaluated the effects of increasing opportunities for interactivity on student attitudes and behavior over two iterations of an Internet-based graduate social work research methods course.
Method
In both iterations, lectures and class discussions were carried out over the Internet. In the second iteration, additional opportunities for interaction (self-tests, automated feedback, discussion questions, and links to an Internet discussion list) were added. Type and frequency of class participation were measured for both iterations as well as attitude toward the course.
Results
Students in the second iteration participated in class list discussions more frequently than their first iteration counterparts. Students in the second iteration also tended to rate their experience more positively than did their counterparts in the first class.
Conclusion
The incorporation of interactivity into a Web site served to make it easier to create an active learning environment for students.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AbersonC. L., BergerD. E., EmersonE. P., & RomeroV. L. (1997). WISE: Web interface for statistics education.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 29(2), 217–221.
2.
AzevedoR. (1995). A meta-analysis of the effects of feedback in computer-based instruction.Journal of Educational Computing Research, 13(2), 111–127.
3.
BatesR. A., HoltonE. F.III, & SeylerL. (1996). Principles of CBI design and the adult learner: The need for further research.Performance Improvement Quarterly, 9(2), 3–24.
4.
BlackJ. (1997, February). From a distance: The partnership between field education and distance education technology. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Program Meeting, Council on Social Work Education, Chicago.
5.
BlakelyT. J., & SchoenherrP. (1995). Telecommunication technologies in social work distance education.Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 6(3), 8–12.
6.
ClinksdaleB. G. (1986). Teleconferencing: A new dimension for the business education class.Journal of Education for Business, 62(3), 127–130.
7.
CoeJ., & ElliottD. (1997, February). An evaluation of teaching direct practice in distance education programs for rural settings. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Program Meeting, Council on Social Work Education, Chicago.
8.
CohenJ. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
9.
DarkenwaldG. G. (1987). Assessing the social environment of adult classes.Studies in the Education of Adults, 19(2), 127–136.
10.
FlynnJ. P. (1990). Using the computer to teach and learn social policy: A report from the classroom and the field.Computers in Human Services, 7(3-4), 199–209.
11.
ForsterM. (1997, February). Modifying a graduate social welfare course for interactive video instruction. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Program Meeting, Council on Social Work Education, Chicago.
12.
FreddolinoP. (1997, February). Building on experience: Lessons from a distance education MSW program. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Program Meeting, Council on Social Work Education, Chicago.
13.
HiltzS. R. (1986). The “virtual classroom”: Using computer-mediated communication for university teaching.Journal of Communication, 36(2), 95–104.
14.
HiltzS. R. (1990). Evaluating the virtual classroom. In HarasimL. M. (Ed.), Online education: Perspectives on a new environment (pp. 133–183). New York: Praeger.
15.
Iowa Educational Technology Training Institute,. (1996). Educational Technology Skills Inventory.Cedar Falls, IA: Iowa Educational Technology Training Institute, University of Northern Iowa.
16.
LeungP., CheungK. M., & StevensonK. M. (1994). Advancing competent social work practice: A computer-based approach to child protective service training.Computers in Human Services, 11(3-4), 317–332.
17.
LoydB. H., & GressardC. P. (1984). Reliability and factorial validity of computer attitude scales.Educational and Psychological Measurement, 44, 501–505.
18.
MacFaddenR. J. (1989). Sexual abuse assessment training: Developing CAI in child welfare.Computers in Human Services, 5,(3-4), 29–41.
19.
McFallJ., FreddolinoP., FlynnM., DownsM., & HerrickJ. (1994). Maintaining quality in distance education: MSW programs delivered via interactive audio-visual systems. Paper presented at the Biennial Midwest Social Work Education Conference, St. Paul, MN.
20.
MillerA. J. (1991). Applications of computer conferencing to teacher education and human resource development.Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Conferencing.Columbus: Ohio State University Press.
21.
MorrisonG. R., RossS. M., GopalakrishnanM., & CaseyJ. (1995). The effects of feedback and incentives on achievement in computer-based instruction.Contemporary Educational Psychology, 20(1), 32–50.
22.
PattersonD. A., PullenL., EversE., & ChamplinD. L. (1997). An experimental evaluation of HyperCDTX: Multimedia substance abuse treatment education software.Computers in Human Services, 14(1), 21–38.
23.
PaulsenM. F. (1992). The NKI electronic college: Five years of computer conferencing in distance education. In PaulsenM. F. (Ed.), From bulletin boards to electronic universities: Distance education, computer-mediated communication, and online education.University Park, PA: American Center for the Study of Distance Education.
24.
RomiszowskiA. J., & MasonR. (1996). Computer-mediated communication. In JonassenD. H. (Ed.), Handbook of research for educational communications and technology (pp. 438–456). New York: Simon & Schuster/Macmillan.
25.
RossJ. A. (1996). The influence of computer communication skills on participation in a computer conferencing course.Journal of Educational Computing Research, 15(1), 37–52.
26.
RubergL. F., MooreD. M., & TaylorC. D. (1996). Student participation, interaction, and regulation in a computer-mediated communication environment: A qualitative study.Journal of Educational Computing Research, 14(3), 243–268.
27.
SatterwhiteR., & SchoechD. (1995). Multimedia training for child protective service workers: Initial test results.Computers in Human Services, 12(1-2), 81–97.
28.
SchutteJ. G. (1997). Virtual teaching in higher education: The new intellectual superhighway or just another traffic jam. Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.csun.edu/sociology/virexp.htm
29.
StocksJ. T. (1997, February). Using computer generated visuals to enhance interactive television classes. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Program Meeting, Council on Social Work Education, Chicago.
30.
StocksJ. T., & FreddolinoP. (1998). Evaluation of a World Wide Web-based graduate social work research methods course.Computers in Human Services, 15(2/3), 51–69.
31.
SvanumS., ChenS.H.A., & BublitzS. (1997). Internet-based instruction of the principles of base rate and prediction: A demonstration project.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers, 29(2), 228–231.
32.
WellsR. (1992). Computer-mediated communication for distance education: An international review of design, teaching, and institutional issues (ACSDE Monograph No. 6). University Park, PA: American Center for the Study of Distance Education.
33.
WittockM. (1986). The handbook of research on teaching.New York: Macmillan.
