Pedagogic Effectiveness of Print, Interactive Multimedia, and Online Resources: A Case Study of IGNOU

In the present paper, the authors report on a comparative study on the pedagogic effectiveness of printed self-learning text with face-to-face tutorial support, interactive multimedia CD-ROM and online learning in an introductory computing module at the certificate level offered at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), India. The study was based on an analysis of the existing instructional practices in open universities in India in respect of difficulties faced, learner preferences, quality of support structure and services, mode of interaction, instructional and technological ingredients for success in learning. Both descriptive as well as experimental research methods were used. A web server was established for use in the experiment with the students. An achievement test and a Response to Learning Activity Scale were developed and administered on the three groups of learners. The study reports that the use of interactive multimedia CD-ROM was found pedagogically more effective with a variety of learning activities than that presented through print with face-to-face support and that presented through the web with online learner support.