Professor learns how MyLab IT positively impacts student success
Pearson | September 17, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
by Pearson
How MyLab IT contributes to student success
In Fall 2018, Professor Michelle Craddock partnered with Pearson to discover whether MyLab™ IT with Exploring Microsoft Office 2016 Volume 1 by Patsy et al. and Visualizing Technology by Geoghan contributed to student success in her Microcomputer Applications I course.
Researchers found that:
- Students who scored 90% or greater on MyLab IT homework had lab test scores 12–17 percentage points higher than students who scored less than 90% on MyLab IT homework.
- 100% of respondents agreed that they were able to easily access MyLab IT through Canvas and appreciated not having a separate, second login and password for MyLab IT.
- Students who scored 100% on Simulation Trainings had average Grader Project scores 22 percentage points higher than students who scored 90–99%.
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Why does Professor Michelle Craddock utilize MyLab IT?
Michelle Craddock has used MyLab IT since 2013. In Craddock’s experience, her first year students often do not spend time reviewing the textbook before class. As a result, Craddock feels she must use lecture time for teaching basic course concepts as well as give her students assignments that can mostly be finished in class. In an effort to help her students succeed, her goal is to increase student attempts on Grader Projects.
How was MyLab IT implemented?
Microcomputer Applications I is a survey of computer application packages including Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Class meets twice a week for a 50-minute lecture followed by a 50-minute lab.
Students are assigned hands-on, graded exercises including 2–3 MyLab IT Simulation Trainings and 1–2 Grader Projects per chapter. Four chapters in Word, four chapters in Excel, and three chapters in PowerPoint are covered. Students have unlimited attempts on Simulation Trainings and three attempts on Grader Projects. MyLab assessments account for 40% of the course grade, while six written tests, four lab tests and homework in Canvas accounts for the remaining 60%.
Were students successful in the course?
Students were grouped into three categories based on their overall Simulation score: 100%, 90–99%, and <90%.
- Students who scored 100% on Simulation Trainings had average Grader Project scores 22 percentage points higher than students who scored 90–99% and 46 percentage points higher than students who scored less than 90%.
It was found that students who scored 90% or greater on MyLab IT homework had lab test scores 12–17 percentage points higher than students who scored less than 90% on MyLab IT homework, suggesting that student achievement on homework does have an impact on exam success.
Did students like using MyLab IT?
Responses from an end-of-semester survey of Craddock’s sections indicate that the majority of responding students recognize the value of MyLab IT.
- 91% of respondents agreed that their understanding of the course material increased as a result of using MyLab IT.
- 88% of respondents said that MyLab IT was a good value for the course.
- 87% of respondents would recommend MyLab IT to other students.
One student said:
“It gives the opportunity to practice what we're learning, with help if needed, by example, and receiving our grades quickly without just having to see our professor do it on a big screen.”
