The Efficacy of Knowledge Map in Object Oriented Software Training: ADO.NET Components

Abstract

An experimental study examined effects o f knowledge m ap-based learning, a form o f Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI), on assisting
novice users in acquiring software knowledge and skills. Fifty> five subjects participated in this experimental study. Two classes o f
students in a webpage development course were randomly chosen to receive different treatments. Twenty fou r students received the
knowledge m ap-based training, while thirty' one students received the traditional face-to-face training. Target software acquired by
students in this study is ASP NET. This study focuses on the data-access component ADO.NET (.ActiveX Data Objects) o f this target
software. ADO.NET is a database access component and allows users to interact with database systems from browsers. A pre-test and
post-test was administered to assess the effect o f knowledge m ap-based learning on learning outcomes, with the traditional F2F
training group as a controllable group. Results showed that students who receive the knowledge m ap-based training slightly
outperformed, those students who receive the traditional face-to-face training. Statistical evidences show that both training
approaches are effective to help students acquire object-oriented software, such as ADO. NET, based on the mean scores ofpre- and posttests. Recommendations were m ade to instructor and practitioners to improve the efficacy o f knowledge m ap-based training.