Title: Does the use of computer-aided learning tools affect learning performance?

Authors: Zsolt Ugray, Carl Ellsworth, Matthew T. Manley, Kyliann Erickson

Addresses: Management Information Systems Department, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University, 3515 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322–3515, USA. ' Management Information Systems Department, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University, 3515 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322–3515, USA. ' Management Information Systems Department, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University, 3515 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322–3515, USA. ' Management Information Systems Department, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University, 3515 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322–3515, USA

Abstract: Studies comparing the learning performance differences between traditional courses and courses using computer-aided learning tools frequently give conclusions with reservations, indicating the possibility of other underlying factors that have a greater effect on learning performance than simply the medium used for content delivery. We analysed a uniquely assembled dataset covering a large number of university courses to revisit the media/method debate in the context of the effect of computer-aided learning tools on learning performance. Our results show that factors such as course type (determined by the content delivery medium), course subject, course level and student age all impact learning performance.

Keywords: computer-aided learning; CAL; CAI; computer-aided instruction; learning performance; innovation; online delivery; university courses; higher education; course type; course subject; course level; student age; e-learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2009.023291

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2009 Vol.6 No.3, pp.275 - 284

Published online: 17 Feb 2009 *

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