Effectiveness of Computer-Graded vs. Instructor-Graded Homework Assignments in an Elementary Spanish Course

A comparative study at two undergraduate institutions

Abstract

Researchers at the United States Air Force Academy and Metropolitan
State University of Denver collaborated on a study to determine the
effectiveness of computer-graded vs. instructor-graded homework
assignments in elementary Spanish courses at their respective
institutions. Subjects completed one or the other type of online
activities tied directly to a specific chapter of the textbook of the course
and accessed via the online ancillary MySpanishLab. Following
completion of the chapter activities and assessment, subjects were
asked to complete a satisfaction survey indicating their reactions to
and preferences for either computer-graded or instructor-graded
activities. No significant differences were found between groups on
assessment scores, though definite differences were noted indicating
strong preferences for one type of activity over another.