A comparison of computer‐assisted instructional methods

The purpose of this study was to compare three types of computer‐assisted instruction. Three Algebra I classes were used in the one‐year study. The first group wrote BASIC programs to solve problems concerning seven different algebraic topics. The second group did not write programs, but used educational software covering the same seven topics. The third group did not use the computer prior to being tested for any of the topics. After all three groups were given the same 25‐point quiz for each topic, the third group was allowed free time on the computer, using teacher‐selected software. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference among the three groups with respect to the total score which was comprised of the final exam plus seven quiz scores. When the two groups of software users were combined and compared to the programmers the programming group significantly out‐performed the software users with respect to the final exam.