| Summary: | <p>The study involved a total of 60 students with 30 in each of 2 introduction to keyboarding classes, 1 online and 1 face-to-face class. The students <i>t</i>-test scores were used to determine if statistical differences existed between the two groups at the p < .05 level of significance. This research examined the impact of the mode of instruction: online versus face-to-face in keyboarding and its relationship to keyboarding achievement with reference to speed, technique and accuracy. </p>
<p>
A causal comparative design was used for this study. Data for the research were collected using the skill and technique evaluations of the participants. The techniques of the students were observed by the same teacher and a score was given according to a technique rubric. The instrument used to measure speed and accuracy was a timed writing of 5-minute duration. </p>
<p>
The beginning speed for the online and face-to-face classes did not show any significant difference. The ending speed was higher for the face-to-face students than the ending speed for online students. Both the online group and the face-to-face group increased their speeds significantly by the end of the study.</p>
<p>
The beginning technique scores for the face-to-face class were significantly higher than the online class. At the end of the study, there was no difference in the technique scores of the online and face-to-face class. It appears that technique can be taught in both environments with appropriate instructional materials, media, and teacher direction. </p>
<p>The face-to-face group made significantly fewer errors than the online group at both the beginning and end of the study. There was a meaningful relationship between technique and accuracy found in this study and a meaningful relationship between technique and speed. This shows that proper technique is indicative of both higher speed and fewer errors. Also, there was a meaningful relationship between GPA and speed and accuracy. It is recommended that schools offer keyboarding online because offering the class online will be meeting the needs of so many.
</p>
|
|---|
