ERIC Number: EJ685224
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-May
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0007-1013
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Mandatory and Optional Use on Students Ratings of a Computer-Based Learning Package
Garland, Kate; Noyes, Jan
British Journal of Educational Technology, v35 n3 p263-273 May 2004
Continuing developments in educational technology and increasing undergraduate numbers in the UK have facilitated the use of computer-based learning packages. One of the effects of the increasing use of these packages is the shift in teaching of material from being primarily lecturer-led to student-driven. This has a number of implications concerning using the package, since it is quite likely that students will be working in isolation, and the use of the package may be mandatory or optional. In this study we report on the usefulness ratings of a software package for undergraduate use within the context of whether or not students choose to use it. Level 1 students and lecturers in Economics were surveyed at three UK universities. Findings indicate that students whose use was mandatory rated the learning package as more useful than those whose use was optional. Reasons for non-use centred on lack of instruction and on student apathy. These results have important implications for the use of computer-based learning packages and for understanding user attitudes.
Descriptors: Learning Modules, Educational Technology, Computer Assisted Instruction, Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Independent Study, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Required Courses, Computer Software, Economics Education
Journal Customer Services, Blackwell Publishing, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770 (Toll Free); Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: subscrip@bos.blackwellpublishing.com.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: Students
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A