The University Student's Preference for Learning by Computer-Assisted Instruction

Abstract

This study focused on the specific questions: Do significant differences exist in the preference for CAI between male and female students? Do significant differences exist in the preference for CAI between undergraduate and graduate students (academic status)? And does an interaction exist between gender and academic status? Seventy-six students (N = 76) were randomly selected to answer the questionnaire. Analyses of variance (at the .05 level) showed graduate students favor CAI more than do undergraduate students, probably because they have jobs and need to study using CAI at a more convenient time and place. This result confirms the assumption that graduate students have more computer experiences. Since computer literacy increases as time passes, the chance of “give CAI a try” becomes higher. In technologically sophisticated societies of today, the option of mixing CAI and traditional lectures must be the key to the success of any institution of higher education.