A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Web-based and Paper-based Homework for General Chemistry

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 13 Issue 4 (2008) pp 264-269

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Web-based and Paper-based Homework for General Chemistry

Herb Fynewever

Department of Chemistry and The Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, herb.fynewever@wmich.edu
Received October 9, 2006. Accepted June 1, 2008.

Published online: 21 July 2008

Abstract. An instructor compares typical use of paper-based homework and Web-based homework using two different sections of general chemistry. Analysis of student performance data suggests that Web-based homework is as effective as paper-based homework for student learning. Time spent grading, recording, and returning paper-based homework is greatly reduced with a Web-based system, although initial use of the Web-system requires some time for setup. The Small Group Instruction Diagnosis (SGID) technique [1, 2] is used for collection of student affective data. Students appreciate the usefulness of both paper-based and Web-based homework as a preparation for quizzes and examinations. Advantages unique to typical use of Web-based homework include instantaneous feedback and ability to resubmit assignments.

Key Words: Research in Teaching and Learning; general chemistry; computers

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: herb.fynewever@wmich.edu)

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