Effects of Computer-Based Training in Computer Hardware Servicing on Students' Academic Performance

Abstract

This study determined the effects of computer-based training in computer hardware servicing with a pedagogical agent named “DAC: The Builder” on the academic performance of computing students. Fifty-six university students (30 students in the control group, 26 students in the experimental group) participated in a two-week experiment. The majority of the experimental group exhibited gaming behavior but subsequently reduced it after DAC intervention. The data collected in this study showed that the null hypothesis stating that there is no significant difference in the pretest and posttest scores of the experimental group can be rejected. Moreover, the hands-on posttest scores of both groups had significant differences. This study demonstrates that returning students to the lecture when they exhibit gaming the system behavior is an effective tool for discouraging this behavior. The use of the DAC is therefore recommended for students taking up computer hardware servicing. Implications and recommendations were also discussed.