The Use of Computer-Assisted Instruction in a Biblical Studies Course: A Case Study

Abstract

One purpose of this case study was to determine the effect of the introduction of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials upon students' learning ability in a college Biblical studies course. Another purpose was to gather information from students with regard to their attitudes toward CAI and its effectiveness in learning the course material. A third purpose of the study was the design of CAI materials using a general application software package. The data base and word processing functions of a general application software package were adapted for CAI in the Biblical studies course. The CAI components employed in the Biblical studies course were a data base function, a word processing exercise, and drill and practice exercises. This case study collected data on 68 students of an introductory Biblical studies course during a college semester. Data on student attitudes were gathered through written questionnaires and interviews. Chi-square was used to investigate the change of student attitudes toward the course. Student learning of the course material was tested using a pretest/posttest design in addition to student grades. An analysis of variance was calculated on the pretest and posttest scores using the years of formal background in religious education as the independent variable to measure gain scores. Student response to the incorporation of CAI into the curriculum of the Biblical studies course showed that 54.7% of the students viewed CAI favorably with higher percentages in relation to each of the CAI activities: 62.7% for the data base, 70.8% for the word processing exercise, and 83% for the drill and practice. Students also perceived the CAI materials as enabling them to learn the material of the course. Students' attitudes with regard to the Biblical studies course were generally favorable and in those cases where negative attitudes were reported at the beginning of the study, 53% of these students reported that they had altered their view at the conclusion of the course. The analysis of variance showed significant gain scores for students with little or no formal background in religious education in relation to students with greater experience in formal religious studies courses (p<.002). The data collected indicated that it was possible to utilize general application software packages in the construction of CAI materials for college level coursework. Implications of this study suggest that positive results in terms of students' perception of learning may be expected from the use of CAI in Biblical studies courses and