Who Benefits from WWW Presentation in the Basics of Informatics?

Abstract

This paper describes the use of WWW-based guided tours as a complementary addition to conventional lectures in the basics of informatics. Learning can be promoted in the spirit of constructivism, situated action, and cognitive flexibility when organizing a WWW coursework. We analyze the benefit of an optional coursework, including the use of guided tours and the use of search engines and directories on the WWW. This paper presents who benefits and who does not benefit from our optional coursework. The analysis is based on the background information and prior computer experience of the students, as well as pre and post tests. The study found that our WWW-based coursework suits best for females and all students except the students of economics. The students who are not familiar with computers and the Internet benefit more from WWW-based learning. Age and the number of years studied at a university do not affect the effectiveness of the WWW coursework. The results show that our WWW coursework suits for basic course level students in informatics, regardless of age. However, in the continuing courses of informatics, the coursework is probably less effective.