Paper-based and Web-based resources: what do students value?

Judy Sheard, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Monash University, 900 Dandenong Rd, Caulfield East, Victoria 3145, Australia. judy.sheard@csse.monash.edu.au

Margot Postema, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Monash University, 900 Dandenong Rd, Caulfield East, Victoria 3145, Australia. margot.postema@csse.monash.edu.au

Selby Markham, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Monash University, 900 Dandenong Rd, Caulfield East, Victoria 3145, Australia. selby.markham@csse.monash.edu.au

Keywords

World Wide Web, Web-based educational resources, paper-based educational resources, learning outcomes

Abstract

This is a report of an innovative study into how students value printed and electronic subject resources in the context of the growing use of the Web. The apparent lack of research into student valuation and use of resources has prompted this investigation. The study involved surveying students (n=329) and lecturers in seven computing subjects within the Faculty of Information Technology of Monash University. The subjects chosen for the study provided students with various combinations of subject resources in paper format and on the Web. Ten different types of resources were considered. Eight resources were available in both paper and Web format and two were available only on the Web. Each subject had a dedicated subject Web page. The results from the surveys indicated that students were enthusiastic about the Web resources provided however the interesting outcome from the research is that students within the Faculty of Information Technology still appear to be paper dependant.