Engaging learners by tracing and summarizing in a computer‐based environment

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of the experiment was to investigate whether using the summarizing strategy can further engage learners in a computer‐based environment where different forms of finger tracing were incorporated. One hundred and fifty‐six university students were randomly assigned to one of six conditions formed by a 3 (hand tracing vs. observing tracing vs. no tracing) × 2 (summarizing vs. no summarizing) factorial design. Results revealed that using the summarizing strategy led to better retention than not using the strategy, but the effect disappeared on transfer. Moreover, individuals in the observing tracing condition had significantly higher ratings on perceived interest and germane cognitive load than their peers in other conditions. These findings, as well as the limitations and future directions, were discussed within the engagement framework, social agency theory, and cognitive load theory.