The Power of Integration: Assessing a Recent Best-Practice Method for Large-Class Instructional Materials Generation & Presentation

Abstract

Computers are used in nearly all modern university classes of a certain size; Economics theatres being no exception. The stated rationale for their uptake includes an increased efficiency and consistency in course delivery; presenting in a way that appeals to a 'digital-youth'; and enhancing the overall student experience. However, experimental evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that the most common platforms for this purpose do not increase student performances, and in some cases are not students' preferred method of instruction. Using the perspective of cognitive load theory, these results are discussed before introducing and assessing a recent software solution (LATEX2e-Beamer) which relies on a fundamentally different philosophy of practice. Preliminary quantitative and qualitative measures are presented from a trial of this new system across a very large first-year quantitative course in an Economics setting. It is concluded that this new system achieves many of the experimentally validated goals for instructional presentation and materials and is well worthy of consideration, especially in larger, first-year cohorts.

JEL Classification: A22