ERIC Number: EJ807808
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0830-0445
EISSN: N/A
Research on Learners' Preferences for Reading from a Printed Text or from a Computer Screen
Spencer, Carrie
Journal of Distance Education, v21 n1 p33-50 2006
In this study, 254 Royal Roads University School of Business learners (graduates and undergraduates) were surveyed on their online course-related reading habits and choices. Based on their responses and anecdotal comments and the data from follow-up interviews with six of the participants, learners preferred print copies of text materials for reasons of portability, dependability, flexibility, and ergonomics. Recommendations include providing an option in all online courses to print electronic text files in a format suitable for reading from paper. Further research is proposed on the effect of extended time spent in front of a computer screen on learners' preference for reading from paper. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Reading Habits, Printed Materials, Online Courses, Computer Assisted Instruction, Electronic Publishing, Intermode Differences, Interviews, Interest Inventories, Cognitive Style, Foreign Countries, Mail Surveys, Questionnaires, Distance Education, Business Education
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE). 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: journalofde@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.jofde.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A