Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a web-based interactive learning object (ILO) of introductory Computer Science (CS) concept on recursion and compare two feedback methods in the learning assessment part. Design/methodology/approach Test driven development (TDD) approach was used to develop ILO. The authors adapted Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) standard instrument to evaluate ILO’s effectiveness as an e-learning tool. Three respondents, from a list of pre-identified prospective evaluators, were randomly chosen and served as raters for MERLOT, while 32 student-respondents coming from first-year Math and CS undergraduate majors were randomly assigned to each ILO version implementing either one of the two feedback methods. Findings ILO obtained mean ratings above 4 (in scale 1-5) in three MERLOT criteria, namely, potential effectiveness as teaching tool, ease of use, and quality of content, which is rated highest (mean=4.40, SD=0.53). The study also revealed that immediate feedback increases retention while delayed feedback improves generating new knowledge. Respondents who viewed the ILO implementing immediate feedback in their first session had statistically significantly higher scores (mean=8.25, SD=0.80) than those who viewed with delayed feedback (mean=7.63, SD=0.89). In their second session, the same observation was noted although with higher mean scores. These results give evidence that the developed ILO met standards in e-learning material and showed evidence of its effectiveness with preferably implementing immediate feedback. Research limitations/implications Although the developed ILO can now be used in school as supplementary learning material in teaching the concept of recursion in an introductory CS subject, a pilot testing of the web-based ILO using a larger sample of respondents to validate its effectiveness for online distance learning educational material can be pursued. Furthermore, in designing and creating an ILO, the provision of feedback during the assessment stage is necessary for effecting learning. Originality/value The study was a first to develop ILO for CS topic on recursion. The paper also compared which of two known feedback methods is best to implement in an ILO.
Highlights
Students nowadays belong to the generation what we call the millennials, or they can be referred to as “digital natives” (Prensky, 2001), where they are exposed to various multimedia resources and have experienced with unprecedented level of access to information brought about by the digital revolution
The developed interactive learning object (ILO) had an role-playing game (RPG) theme to entice the students considering that most students today love to play games
4.1 Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) standard The developed ILO passed the SCORM standard, which is a set of technical standards for e-learning software products
Summary
Students nowadays belong to the generation what we call the millennials, or they can be referred to as “digital natives” (Prensky, 2001), where they are exposed to various multimedia resources and have experienced with unprecedented level of access to information brought about by the digital revolution. They found in their previous study that digital natives prefer to use digital media in their personal lives, this is not necessarily observed in their business lives. The authors utilized an instrument known as the Digital Native Assessment Scale, developed by another group, to characterize objectively as “digital natives” the university student-respondents. Their findings showed that there are no significant differences among university student participants’ perceptions of themselves as “digital natives” due to their gender or academic disciplines
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
