Evaluating Learners' Behaviors in a Web-based Instructional Program

Kang, Jeonghee

Abstract

PURPOSE: Web-based instructional programs have been criticized that it is not easy to grasp learners' learning behaviors. This study applied the web-based instructional program with log data analysis plans to a group of participants, and (1) explored variables of learners' learning behaviors, and (2) compared the level of learners' understanding about the topic before and after the program completion.
METHODS
A total of 44 nursing students in their third year of one university participated in this descriptive study with one group pre-test and post-test design.
RESULTS
The variables were actually produced, and reflected how participants completed the program. Participants' knowledge about the topic improved after the program completion. However, when the participants were divided into two groups depending on their learning behaviors, participants with honest learning behaviors performed better.
CONCLUSION
This study confirmed that it was possible to grasp learners' learning activities by analyzing log data, and suggested that answering multiple choice items through internet may not be enough to determine the effects of an instructional program usage. More studies are in need to select appropriate indicators that could reflect learners' learning behaviors effectively and efficiently.