NSW HSC Online Professional Development Node
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Motivating students
Research shows that using ICT in the classroom motivates students. Online learning and teaching tends to capture students’ attention through its use of graphics, video, audio and text, and is engaging because it provides students with authentic learning experiences that uses real-life activities to review concepts, practice skills and do in-depth research.
Bransford et al (2000, p. 224) provide an overview of research on how people learn and devote a chapter on using technology to support learning. They give the example of how the introduction of a computer-based tutorial motivated learners and the results they achieved, a similar type of response can be expected from the use of online teaching and learning resources:
When the Geometry Tutor was placed in classes in a large urban high school, students moved through the geometry proofs more quickly than expected by either the teachers or the tutor developers. Average, below-average, and under-achieving high-ability students with little confidence in their math skills benefited most from the tutor (Wertheimer, 1990). Students in classes using the tutor showed higher motivation by starting work much more quickly – often coming early to class to get started – and taking more responsibility for their own progress. Teachers started spending more of their time assisting individual students who asked for help and giving greater weight to effort in assigning student grades (Schofield, 1995).
References:
Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (eds). 2000. How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition. The National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. (Available online) http://www.nap.edu/catalog/9853.html 
[19 October 2001]
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