Abstract
Statement of Problem
The use of technology is becoming more widespread in today's classrooms. Students and instructors alike are using many different forms of technology to enhance learning. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the performance of California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) freshmen taking remedial Elementary Algebra with Geometry classes in a traditional lecture format and in a course taught using a web-based course, Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS).
Students' performance based on their gender and ethnicity was also explored.
Sources of Data
Student population studied in this research were CSUS fall 2007 (F07) and fall 2008 (F08) freshmen who were required to take a Learning Skills Elementary Algebra with Geometry (LS 1 OA) remedial mathematics course based on their Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam scores.
Conclusions Reached
The results of this study showed that students in the traditional lecture classes outperformed ALEKS students in both tests: the final exam and the Elementary Geometry and Algebra Diagnostic (EGAD). The results also showed that there was no significant difference between the males and females in both semesters of ALEKS courses, but there was a significant difference between them in the lecture sections of both semesters, with females scoring higher than males. This research also revealed that there was a significant difference between the final exam scores based on students' ethnicity. All ethnic groups had higher scores in the lecture course than in the ALEKS course for the fall of 2008, but for the fall of 2007 African American, Filipino, and Asian students had higher final exam scores in
the ALEKS sections. Although lecture section students had higher final exam and EGAD averages, they had lower pass rates for both semesters. Based on the literature review and the results of this research the writer concludes that the traditional lecture has a better impact on student learning. However, students who are self-motivated and have the necessary help for the technology class
can still consider taking an ALEKS course.