Influence of Prior Knowledge, Attitudes, Ability, and Activity Structure on Students' Learning and Use of Software

Abstract

Based on evidence from the learner control literature, a study was designed that aimed to identify the conditions and individual characteristics that would best support learners' acceptance of control within hypermedia. The effects of prior domain knowledge, learning activity structure, ability, and attitudes on acceptance of control opportunity, knowledge acquisition, and attitudes were investigated. The study was conducted in two single-gender schools to remove the effects of gender interaction while using computers. Confirmatory analysis of a covariance structure model did not provide support for the hypothesized effects, with the exception of a weak effect for the variable ability on acceptance of control opportunity. Analysis of a substantively-based alternative model identified an effect of the school students attended on students' choices within the software. The effect of the “school” variable was stronger than the hypothesized variables. Qualitative analysis of interview and audit-trail data further supported the quantitative results showing a difference in preferences and navigational strategies for students at the two schools. Qualitative results and existing literature suggest factors that may contribute to the effect of the “school” variable are the epistemological beliefs of students, school culture, and gender. Further research attention to these variables is recommended.