The Effectiveness of Online Practice Platforms on High School Algebra Students’ Achievement

Date of Award

Spring 5-17-2019

Document Type

Project (696 or 796 registration)

Degree Name

Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Dr. Courtney LaLonde

Keywords

education, technology, achievement, mathematics, high-school

Abstract

In this study, the effectiveness of individual practice using technology on students' math performance was measured. At the beginning of a unit, students took a pretest to determine baseline understanding of the material. Then, students progressed through the unit, receiving instruction on each topic. Following the instruction, students completed individual practice on the material on either their Chromebook or on a worksheet. They also completed a survey indicating their feelings about the practice method. At the end of the unit, their results on a summative assessment were compared with the results of the pretest to measure growth and effectiveness of using an online platform for their math. These results showed little difference between the two methods when it was teacher-selected. However, when the students were able to choose, doing practice on their Chromebook resulted in higher growth on the content. From the data and feedback, it became clear that student choice in practice method is important, as well as exposing students to practice in a variety of formats.

Abstract only: No full text available.

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