Overview

The use of information and communications technologies in education has increased dramatically over the past decade. At the university level, computers are now used in most disciplines, either as an adjunct to the traditional lecture or to deliver the material on-line. Consequently, students are now required to master computer skills before they can master the subject being taught. To accommodate this need, tertiary institutions have provided access to computer laboratories. A computer laboratory is an expensive resource in terms of equipment and people, and should be used as effectively as possible. Computer laboratory classes may be organized as closed laboratories which are scheduled and staffed in the same way as other classes, or as open laboratories where students come and go as they please. This chapter reports the results of a study that investigated differences between students perceptions of aspects of the learning environment of open and closed computer laboratories, and also the differences in student outcomes from courses that adopt these approaches. There was no significant difference in achievement between the two groups but there was a difference in their attitudes towards computers with those students gaining their practical experience from closed laboratories having a more positive attitude.

1. Introduction

The use of information and communications technologies in education has increased dramatically over the past decade. At the university level, computers are now used in most disciplines, either as an adjunct to the traditional lecture or to deliver the material on-line.