I am looking for a collaborator or two on a research project evaluating the
value of computerized homework for student learning. I have finished a
study comparing computer homework with well-graded paper homework in
introductory physics, and found little difference in student performance
between the two. Most of us believe that requiring and grading homework is
better for our students than not doing such, and web-based homework
services are being pitched as the solution for professors who would like to
do such but do not have the time or the grading assistance to be able to do
such. I would like to evaluate the value of web homework in a situation
where homework would not otherwise be graded, to find out how much it
really helps students learn. I am looking for possible collaborators;
namely instructors with multiple medium-to-large (n>40) sections of
introductory physics, who does not currently collect homework, and would be
interested in trying out a web homework service. I will arrange a free
WebAssign account for you and take care of the evaluation part of the
project. If you are not familiar with WebAssign, general information
about it can be found at http://webassign.net/info/ (Note: this offer is
different from the "Free Trial" advertised on that page.)
If you would be interested in working with me on this project or have
further questions, please contact me directly at swbonham@unity.ncsu.edu or
(919) 515-7879. My apologies in advance to anyone who gets multiple copies
of this message.
Thank you for your attention,
Scott Bonham
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Dr. Scott W. Bonham
Research Fellow, Physics Education
North Carolina State University
Box 8202
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695
(919) 515-7879
swbonham@unity.ncsu.edu http://www4.ncsu.edu/~swbonham/
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