Formative evaluation of computer courseware: An experimental comparison of two methods

This study investigated the effects of one-to-one and small group methods of formative evaluation of microcomputer courseware on learner posttest scores after using a CAI (computer-assisted instruction) program. Subjects were 72 female and 14 male undergraduate students from instructional design classes at a midwestern state university. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups and used either (a) the original CAI program, (b) the CAI program revised using the one-to-one method, or (c) the CAI program revised using the small group method. Results indicated a significant difference in learner posttest scores on the CAI products revised using the two methods of formative evaluation over the original version. There was no significant difference between posttest scores of the CAI products revised based on one-to-one or small group method of formative evaluation.