Effects of a human agent and the application of the modality principle on the learning of chinese idioms and the attitudes among students with different levels of intelligence

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Date
2008-06
Authors
Xuanxi, Li
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of a Human Agent (HA)'s visual presence and the modality effect in a Computer-based learning (CBL) environment on the learning of Chinese idioms and the attitudes among primary students in Malaysia with different Intelligent Quotient (IQ) levels. Three modes ofmultimedia courseware [a Human Agent and Narration mode (HANGC), Narration mode (NGC), and On-Screen Text mode (TGC)] were systematically designed and developed by the researcher using Macromedia Authorware and Macromedia Flash MX. The Instructional Systems Design Model of Alessi & Trollip (2001) was considered in the development of the courseware. A '3x2' quasi-experimental design was adopted in this research using the three modes of courseware as the independent variables and the two level of Intelligent Quotient (IQ) [High Intelligent (HI) and Low Intelligent (LI)] as the moderator variables. The dependent variables were the posttest scores and the attitude scores. The sample consisted of 138 primary three students from two Chinese primary schools in Penang, Malaysia. They were randomly assigned to one of the modes and followed the treatment for 45 minutes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to analyze the collected data. t-test and ANCOVA procedures were used to determine the significant differences of the post scores and attitude scores among the three groups (HANGC, NGC, and TGC). The findings of this study showed that students using the HANGC mode had achieved significantly higher post score (PS) than students using the NGC mode; students using the NGC mode had achieved significantly higher post score (PS) than students using the TGC mode; the higher IQ students had achieved significantly higher post score (PS) than lower IQ students; low IQ students using the HANGC mode had achieved significantly higher post score (PS) than low IQ students using the NGC mode. However, the low IQ students using the NGC mode did not achieve significantly higher post score (PS) than the low IQ students using the TGC mode. Furthermore, analysis showed no significant differences among the three groups' attitude scores. This research revealed that a computer-based human agent and the modality principle had a significantly positive effect on students' learning of Chinese idioms. Emphatically, the human agent could significantly promote low IQ students' learning of Chinese idioms. Overall, there was neither strong preference nor dislikes towards the three modes of courseware.
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Keywords
Chinese idioms , Attitudes among students with different levels
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