VALIDATION OF A THEORY ABOUT FUNCTIONS AND EFFECTS OF EMBEDDED SUPPORT DEVICES IN DISTANCE EDUCATION LEARNING-MATERIALS

In this contribution a theoretical model is explored and validated tha t describes and explains learning based on learning materials where th e basic content is enriched with embedded support devices. Embedded su pport devices (ESD) are elaborations of the basic content of a course, intended to support students learning in a distance educational conte xt. Examples are. questions with feedback, advance organizers and stud y guidelines. The model represents the interaction of a large set of v ariables and processes and has been tested using a variety of research studies, each focusing on specific interrelations and/or variables. T he research results support the positive impact of embedded support de vices in written learning materials on study outcome. Furthermore the results indicate the impact of individual variables, such as prior kno wledge and attitude towards computers. These variables influence the w ay students process the learning materials and/or use the task environ ment and have an interaction effect on study outcomes.