Search

The Computer Science Department at Monash University (Victoria, Australia) recently began presenting lectures using projection of a hypertext system, HyperLecture, running on a notebook computer as the primary medium. This paper presents a statistical analysis of student reactions to this approach, focusing on the effects, as perceived by the students, on retention and comprehension of material, lecturer performance, and overall benefit of computer-mediated presentation (CMP). The student questionnaire asked: (1) Compared to other lecture series you have taken this semester, were the lecture materials presented as clearly using the computer?; (2) Did the code demonstrations help you to understand the examples better?; (3) Did the code demonstrations help you to remember the concepts presented better?; (4) Would you have liked to take an electronic copy of the lecture material home for study and revision?; (5) How do you think the use of the computer affected the lecturer's presentation style?; (6) Do you prefer computer-based presentations or "traditional" presentations?; and (7) Overall, was the use of a computer to present the course of any benefit in helping you to understand the material presented? Results found that: 68% of students reported that the lecture materials were presented more clearly using the computer; 83% reported helpfulness of the code demonstration for understanding examples, and 75% for understanding long-term recall; 91% showed an inclination to take an electronic copy of the lecture home; 87% reported thinking the presentation method benefited lecturer's presentation style; 83% preferred computer-based presentations; and 82% indicated at least some overall benefit of CMP in understanding lecture materials. Student responses were found to be very positive, with strong correlations between scholastic ability (actual or self-perceived) and student approval of CMP. No significant variations in response were found between males and females, nor between native and non-native speakers. Nine figures illustrate data. (MAS)