The effects of computer assisted instruction on college algebra students at Texas Tech University

A semester long study was conducted on the effects of the use of MyMathLab, an online computer assisted instruction (CAI) software program, on college algebra students. One section of College Algebra had access to the online CAI supplemental to traditional classroom instruction. The other section received only traditional classroom instruction. The students took a pre-test and post-test, filled out a pre-survey and post-survey, and completed a course evaluation and qualitative survey at the end of the semester. The change in test scores was not statistically different between the two sections. MyMathLab did not influence the students’ overall attitude toward math, but it did have a negative effect on the students’ beliefs concerning the time commitments involved in solving math problems. The students thought that entering the answer was too time consuming and frustrating.