Delivering Instruction via Interactive Television and Videotape: Student Achievement and Satisfaction

Abstract

Distance education in the form of Interactive Television (ITV) and videotape currently is being discussed as a method to provide instruction to students enrolled in education courses. In this study, the effect of traditional, ITV, and videotape lectures on student achievement and attendance was investigated. Student satisfaction with the course and student evaluations of the instructor were also analyzed. Sixty-seven preservice special education students were randomly assigned to one of three instructional methods. One group received instruction with the instructor present, one group received instruction via ITV and the third group received instruction by means of a videotape lecture. Results indicated that (a) students achieved equally well on quizzes and tests regardless of the instructional method, (b) students who received instruction in the traditional setting were satisfied with the instruction they received, (c) students who received instruction via ITV were satisfied with the instruction they received, (d) students who received instruction by means of videotape were not satisfied with the instruction they received, (e) students attended class regularly regardless of the instructional method, and (f) students who received instruction via ITV and videotape did not perceive the instructor as taking an active role in the course.