Results from a Clinical Trial: Evaluating the Effect of Multimedia Presentations on Student Learning and Attitudes

• Activity Number: 381
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2002 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education*
• Author(s): Sterling Hilton*+ and Howard Christensen*+ and Suzanne Hendrix*+ and Bruce Schaalje*+
• Affiliation(s): Brigham Young University and Brigham Young University and Brigham Young University and Brigham Young University
• Keywords: evaluation ; introductory statistics ; multimedia ; retention

Abstract

This panel session will present results from a large, randomized, controlled experiment conducted in the introductory, non-calculus-based statistics course taught at Brigham Young University. Data was collected on 5603 students who enrolled in 1999-2000. The treatment under evaluation was level of technology used to present information. It had two levels: 1.) standard technology (overhead projector), and 2.) multimedia technology (PowerPoint presentations, video clips, animation, and computer applets). A randomized, complete block design was used to control for the effect of the instructors. Primary outcomes include performance on midterm and final examinations and student attitudes towards statistics. The following student information was also collected and controlled for in the analyses: learning style, age, gender, major, previous math and statistics experience, GPA, ACT scores, class attendance, and average weekly time spent studying course material. A follow-up study was conducted on students who enrolled in the course in 2000. Surveys were sent to randomly selected students at one and six months post-course. Response rates were 60% at one month and 45% at six months.