Keywords
Electronic textbooks, student performance, distance education, web-based instruction
Abstract
This paper presents results of a survey of student perceptions of the use of an online text combined with a homework management product (Aplia). A majority of the students taking the undergraduate economics courses in our sample (58%) disliked using the online textbook combined with the Aplia product. On the other hand, an even greater percentage of students (64%) felt that the utilization of the online textbook combined with Aplia assignments did require that they spend more time studying economics. Using a basic regression model, we then tested to determine if the use of an online textbook combined with Aplia had any impact on student performance. The data for this analysis were obtained from four sections of introductory economics. Two classes used the online textbook combined with Aplia while the other two sections utilized a standard textbook with no online component. Controlling for factors such as the instructor, gender, race, age, and SAT scores of the students, we found that the use of the online textbook combined with Aplia resulted in a negative (but insignificant) impact on student performance. Significant factors impacting student performance include past GPA, age, and the verbal SAT score. It is our view, that as faculty more effectively integrate online materials into courses and students become more comfortable utilizing online materials, student perceptions and performance will both be positively impacted.
Recommended Citation
Kassis, M., Boldt, D., & Lopez, S. (2008). Student Perceptions And Performance: The Use Of An Online Textbook With An Integrated Web-Based Homework Management Product. Mountain Plains Journal of Business and Technology, 9(1). Retrieved from https://openspaces.unk.edu/mpjbt/vol9/iss1/3
