Motivational Analyses on the Effects of Type of Instructional Control on Learning from Computer-Based Instruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze motivational effects of type of instructional control on learning from computer-based instruction, according to Keller's ARCS model of motivational design. Forty-eight sixth graders were randomly assigned to either learner or program control groups. Instructional materials were computer-based instructional programs for teaching four concepts utilized in advertisement propaganda techniques. The post-test with fifteen items for learning and Instructional Motivation Measurement Survey with thirty-six statements for motivation were used. The results showed that the group under program control performed better on the post-test than the group under learner control, but there was not a significant difference in Keller's ARCS motivational factors between two groups. Regardless of type of instructional control, however, the level of satisfaction among the factors was higher than that of confidence in the instruction. Such results suggest that ARCS motivational factors in designing effective instructional control strategies can be considered.