Effects of Individual versus Paired/Cooperative Computer-Assisted Instruction on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of an In-Service Training Lesson

Abstract

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has the potential of meeting the in-service training needs of various organizations. This study compared individual CAI with paired/cooperative CAI as a method of providing in-service training. Subjects were twenty-seven Pennsylvania extension agents who participated in an in-service training program. The main effect of CAI method and possible interactive effects of previous CAI experience and topic familiarity were analyzed. Differences in cognitive achievement and time spent on the lesson were compared. No significant difference in cognitive achievement was found between agents using CAI individually and agents using CAI cooperatively in pairs. 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.