The Impact of Adapting Content for Students with Individual Differences

Abstract

Combining adaptive hypermedia methods with strategies proposed by instructional theory and motivation models, an adaptable tutorial was designed and developed. The aim of this study was to assess whether the goals of an adaptable tutorial, which individualized instruction based on student motivation and prior knowledge, were being met (i.e. knowledge gains and motivation gains) and to identify weak or problematic areas, in terms of usability, where the tutorial could be improved. A total of 186 undergraduate students participated in two stages of this study. The data were obtained through questionnaires, surveys, focus group interviews, and system logs. Preliminary results indicated that overall students were pleased with their experiences however, certain groups of students benefited more than others.