Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 37 Number 3: Spring 2005

	Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 37 Number 3 Spring 2005

Synchronous vs. AsynchronousTutorials: Factors Affecting Students’ Preferences and Choices
Ruth Beyth-Marom, Kelly Saporta, and Avner Caspi
The Open University of Israel

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the factors that affect students’ preferences regarding tutorial modes. A learning-habit inclinations questionnaire (LHIQ) was constructed and administered to 288 students. Factor analysis revealed four factors: “time management,” “ease of access” to learning materials, “positive aspects of interaction,” and “negative aspects of interaction.” Seven satellite-based synchronous tutorials were delivered to 92 students in a Research Methods course. The following semester, 73 other students taking the same course received the same seven tutorials with the same tutor but in a mixed mode of delivery: three similar satellite-based synchronous tutorials and four satellite-based asynchronous videocassettes containing the recorded tutorials of the previous semester. Attitudes toward different components of the learning environments were measured and the LHIQ was administered. Results revealed that preferences of tutorial mode were determined by students’ learning-habit inclinations: Those who prefer the satellite-based synchronous tutorials have stronger views toward the positive aspects of interactions and score lower on the need for autonomy and access to learning materials than those who prefer the satellite-based asynchronous tutorials. Methodological (lessons on field research), theoretical (significance of learning styles in effective teaching and learning), and practical (flexibility in teaching practices) implications are discussed.

Contributors
Prof. Ruth Beyth-Marom is the head of the Education and Psychology department of the Open University of Israel. Her main research interests are educational technologies and judgment and decision making.

Keli Saporta is a course coordinator at the Open University of Israel. Presently she is working on her PhD dissertation.

Dr. Avner Caspi is a research associate at Chais Instructional Technology Research Center, The Open University of Israel. His main research interests are educational technologies, cyber-psychology, attention, and perception.

Contact
Ruth Beyth-Marom
Department of Education and Psychology
The Open University of Israel
108 Ravutski St. P.O.Box 808
Raanana 43108 Israel
ruthbm@openu.ac.il

Keli Saporta, Department of Education and Psychology
The Open University of Israel
108 Ravutski St. P.O.Box 808
Raanana 43108 Israel
kelisa@openu.ac.il

Avner Caspi, SHOHAM, The Open University of Israel
108 Ravutski St. P.O.Box 808, Raanana 43108 Israel
avnerca@openu.ac.il

Copyright © 2005, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.