Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2. Detailed performance data for S-2
The figures show similarities and differences among the three learners. In general, the
frequency of observing a Java item declined over the first four successive sessions for all
learners. By the fourth session, only S-2 showed an observation of a Java item. The figures
also showed that observing the Java items dropped between Sessions 1 and 2 for S-2 and
S-3. In contrast, S-1 showed a continuous stream of such observations during Session 2. The
figures also showed an increase in the rate of correct entries for the Java key-in items and serial
streams across the first four sessions. By the fourth session, these rates appeared similar for
all learners. However, performance was never error free. All learners showed errors even on
the fourth session, although errors on the Java key-in item might be attributable to careless
typing, which was corrected without additional support. The frequency of correct Java
entries that sometimes exceeded 36 was attributable to repetitions of the item interface, when
input on the serial stream interface was incorrect. With the exception of the data for S-2 on
Day 1, the selection of the explanation (
Explain Item
) of the Java item was rarely observed
for any subject. The interpretation of this finding led to the conclusion that the correct choices
on the multiple-choice tests were obvious, and this prompted a revision of these tests.
The data in Figures 1 to 3 also show the performance degradation that occurred in
Session 5, after the lengthy delay interval. All three learners showed errors on all interfaces,
and they also showed selections to observe the Java item. These data indicate the forgetting
that occurred after the delay interval, despite the previously documented mastery of the task
and the repetitions that were programmed for the learners.
The performance data presented in Figures 1 to 3 also indicated that one instance of
completing the tutor presented an incomplete index of the state of the learner's knowledge
and competency. All learners showed performance improvement across the first four session
