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This study compared individual computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with cooperative CAI as a method of providing in-service training to Penn State Cooperative Extension agents on the topic of proper well location and construction. The main effect of CAI method and possible interactive (moderating) effects of previous CAI experience and topic familiarity were analyzed. Differences in cognitive achievement, attitude toward CAI, and time spent on the lesson were compared.
The study used a posttest-only control group experimental design. Subjects were twenty-seven Pennsylvania extension agents who voluntarily participated in an in-service training program on proper well location and construction. Based on agents' responses to a pre-experiment questionnaire, agents were classified as having high or low familiarity with the topic. Agents from each topic familiarity group were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: individual CAI or cooperative CAI. Agents completed a short CAI lesson on proper well location and construction. Immediately following the lesson, all agents individually completed a cognitive achievement posttest and a survey of attitudes toward CAI.
No significant difference in cognitive achievement was found between agents using CAI individually and agents using CAI cooperatively. No interaction was found between the treatment and the moderating variables, previous CAI experience and topic familiarity, on cognitive achievement.
Agents who used CAI cooperatively took significantly longer to complete the lesson than did agents who used CAI individually. No interaction was found between the treatment and moderating variables, previous CAI experience and topic familiarity, on time spent on the lesson.
Agents in the cooperative CAI group rated CAI significantly more interesting than did agents in the individual CAI group. Agents who had previous CAI experience rated the lesson significantly higher on an affective assessment scale than did agents who had no previous CAI experience. Neither method of instruction nor previous CAI experience significantly affected several other dimensions of attitude that were measured.
CAI, whether used in a cooperative or individual instructional mode, was effective in adults' development of cognitive knowledge relative to the topic, water well location and construction. Attitudes toward CAI were generally positive.