Current Research @ - Full Citation and Abstract


	Illinois State University

AAT 3196637

Comparison of student achievement in open versus closed computer laboratories

Allitt-Wheeler, Susan

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY

EdD

2005

Lorber, Michael A.

DAI-A 66/11, p. 3988, May 2006

0-542-42092-9

75

EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY (0710); EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (0525)

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In fall 2002 research was conducted to determine if achievement was influenced by lab type (open or closed) in a computer specific skills course. One experienced instructor was responsible for the lecture and lab classes. Demographic and self-efficacy surveys and a pretest were administered the first two days of class. Achievement was measured using total points earned during the semester and posttest scores. Total points represented the sum of all assignments, quizzes, tests and final exam scores. There was no significant difference in either total points or posttest scores based upon lab treatment. Additional factors such as self-efficacy, gender and the interaction of gender and lab treatment were analyzed. Self-efficacy was not a predictor of achievement in this research. Only analysis of total points and gender indicating females in both lab treatments scored higher than males was close to significant. Females scored higher as a result of receiving higher scores on lab assignments, not tests or quizzes. In voluntary written comments the last day of class the majority of students indicated they would prefer assignment to an open lab. Students with higher means preferred open lab while students with lower mean total points preferred closed labs.