The goal of this study was to investigate the timing of online homework completion and its effects on student performance. Data was collected from two large, first-semester general chemistry sections at a southwestern university. Specifically, this study aims to explore the link between when students complete their homework relative to the date…

The role of any statistics course is to increase the understanding and comprehension of statistical concepts and those goals can be achieved via both theoretical instruction and statistical software training. However, many introductory courses either forego advanced software usage, or leave its use to the student as a peripheral activity. The…

Several articles suggest how to incorporate computer models into the organic chemistry laboratory, but relatively few papers discuss how to incorporate these models broadly into the organic chemistry lecture. Previous research has suggested that "manipulating" physical or computer models enhances student understanding; this study…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of providing students with access to formatted copies of lecture notes based on the PowerPoint slides used by the instructor. The research question was as follows: "Can first-year students taking the ARTS 1110 Introduction to University course be taught how to make better use of online…

This paper reports the findings of a study of student attitudes and student improvement in conceptual understanding using conceptests with an electronic response system in lecture courses. Students and instructors valued the feedback and interaction that the response system afforded. For a majority of the chemistry topics studied, student…

Illustrates computer-based classroom demonstrations in perception and cognition that require no computer programming and can be delivered with standard lecture presentation software. Examples include apparent motion, anorthoscopic perception, illusory conjunctions, and the capacity of early visual memory. (CMK)

Explains that a lectlet is a short Web streamed-audio lecture synchronized to an interactive text-graphics display. Compares lectlet-based distance education to traditional education by simultaneously teaching two courses (one lectlet-based, one traditional) of introductory statistics. Reveals that the lectlets were better than the traditional…

There is a host of research examining the equivalence of alternative modes of technology-facilitated educational delivery (such as computer-based or online instruction) and traditional classroom instruction. While various studies have promoted each of these modalities for specific populations or topic areas, the bulk of research supports relative…

Compares teaching observational research using a lecture format to using a software program called Courseware for Observational Research (COR). Finds that the COR-instructed class obtained a mean score of 78% on the examination, earned higher grades on the research reports, and rated the usefulness of conducting research more highly than the…

Presents the results of a study that examined the effectiveness of assignments from the Web site "Psychology Place." Focuses on its use in an introductory psychology course," Psychology as a Natural Science" with undergraduate students (n=94). (CMK)

This study examines two interventions for altering achievement goals in an effort to enhance academic success in struggling Introductory Psychology students. The procedures involved an in-class lecture and an interactive computerized tutorial. Both procedures were successful in altering motivation. This led to changes in study activities and…

As colleges and universities nationwide anticipate enrolling more than two million new students over the next decade, UC Berkeley is exploring options for serving more students, more cost effectively, in large lecture courses. This research project analyzes economic and pedagogical questions related to the use of on-line lecture and laboratory…