Online Homework in Introductory Chemistry

Homework is a very important aspect of instruction. Instructors have a variety of instructional tools available including traditional and online homework. This research project is developing a method for determining what topics in chemistry are best reinforced through online homework and which topics are more conducive to traditional homework. Sections of introductory chemistry utilized online homework as part of their courses. Students’ performance (n=402) was measured using a pretest and posttest of the 2003 California Diagnostic Exam. Academic gains of students who completed a minimum amount of online assignments were compared to those demonstrated by the students who completed less than the minimum amount of the online assignments. The methodology and any emerging patterns for the comparison of the two groups will be outlined