The comparative instructional effectiveness of print-based and video-based instructional materials for teaching practical skills at a distance

Authors

  • Francis Donkor Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v11i1.792

Keywords:

Achievement test, Block-Laying and Concreting, instructional effectiveness, open and distance learning, open schooling, performance test, practical skills, print-based instructional materials, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), video-

Abstract

Print-based instructional materials have been more popular than any other medium for teaching practical skills during the delivery of technical and vocational education and training via distance learning. However, the approach has its shortcomings and in recent times alternatives have been sought. The comparative instructional effectiveness of one such alternative is the focus of this paper. The study sought to examine the instructional effectiveness of video-based instructional materials vis-à-vis traditional print-based instructional materials for teaching distance learners of a Block-Laying and Concreting practical skills programme. An experimental design was used and participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Users of video-based instructional materials or users of print-based instructional materials. A researcher-designed performance test and an achievement test of 20 multiple-choice items were used to collect data from 34 participants who used print-based instructional materials and 35 participants who used video-based instructional materials to learn practical skills. The instruments were based on the instructional objectives of lessons on mortar and wall finish. Pilot test data for the achievement test yielded Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84. Descriptive statistics and t-test at a 0.05 level of significance were used to analyse the data. The results indicated that the two instructional materials were pedagogically equivalent in terms of theoretical knowledge acquired. Practical skills acquired, however, were significantly higher among users of video-based instructional materials. Finally, users of video-based instructional materials displayed significantly superior craftsmanship.

Author Biography

Francis Donkor, Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

Francis Donkor is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Design and Technology Education, University of Education, Winneba – Ghana. For the period 2005-2007, Francis was appointed as Acting Head of his department during which he helped to establish the distance learning mode version of an existing technical teacher education programme. In September 2007, Francis joined the President’s Special Initiative on Distance Learning (PSI-DL) on a 2-year sabbatical leave as the Deputy Coordinator responsible for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). He was at the forefront of PSI-DL Open Schooling in TVET that operates at the pre-tertiary level. Francis could be reached through: donkorf@yahoo.com, or donkor@uew.edu.gh or donkorf@gmail.com

Published

2010-03-05

How to Cite

Donkor, F. (2010). The comparative instructional effectiveness of print-based and video-based instructional materials for teaching practical skills at a distance. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 11(1), 96–116. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v11i1.792

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