Visible Learning - J. Hattie

Although computers have been part of classrooms for a number of years, there are studies that look into how they contribute to student learning. Most tend to be about how teachers use them as part of their instruction and teaching.

This article highlights that in a number of cases computers are used effectively for student learning including peer learning, student controlled learning and when learning is enhanced through effective feedback.

Peer Learning

• more effective when used in pairs
• problem solving is increased as well as suggesting and trying new strategies
• allows students to learn through exposure to different perspectives and other ways of thinking
• larger groups can hamper learning as students may be unable to explore their own ideas
• less opportunities to explore alternatives
• dominant and submissive roles more likely in larger groups

Student controlled learning

• student control of issues such as pace, time allocation, practice items used etc has positive benefits to learning
• examples of students learning using word processing programmes showed an increase in writing quality when compared to writing using pen and paper
• writing was also enhanced with struggling writers
• an increase was noted in revision, quantity and fewer errors

Effective feedback

• feedback can be less threatening
• different forms of feedback are more effective such as explanations and remediation
• tasks that are challenging are positive for providing feedback