The Impact of Interactive Functionality on Learning Outcomes: an Application of Outcome Interactivity Theory
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University of Kentucky UKnowledge University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2009 THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONALITY ON LEARNING OUTCOMES: AN APPLICATION OF OUTCOME INTERACTIVITY THEORY James P. Gleason University of Kentucky, [email protected] Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Gleason, James P., "THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONALITY ON LEARNING OUTCOMES: AN APPLICATION OF OUTCOME INTERACTIVITY THEORY" (2009). University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations. 793. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/793 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION James P. Gleason The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2009 THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONALITY ON LEARNING OUTCOMES: AN APPLICATION OF OUTCOME INTERACTIVITY THEORY ______________________________________________ ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION ______________________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky By James P. Gleason Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Derek R. Lane, Associated Professor of Communication Lexington, Kentucky 2009 Copyright © James P. Gleason 2009 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONALITY ON LEARNING OUTCOMES: AN APPLICATION OF OUTCOME INTERACTIVITY THEORY Scholars have examined a variety of dimensions and models of interactivity in an attempt to articulate a comprehensive definition. Outcome Interactivity Theory (OIT) considers interactivity to be the result of a communication event involving the successful integration of three predictive dimensions: the presence of actual interactive technological features, the presence of similarly reactive content elements, and relevant user experiences that empower the user to employ these interactive elements within the communication event toward a desirable outcome. This dissertation accomplishes three major objectives: clarify the literature relating to the interactivity construct; introduce Outcome Interactivity Theory as a new theory-based conceptualization of the interactivity construct; and test Outcome Interactivity Theory using a pre-test post-test control group full experimental design. The study tests the impact of interactivity on knowledge acquisition and satisfaction student learning outcomes. In addition, the OIT model itself is tested to measure the effect of interactivity on knowledge acquisition and satisfaction. Finally, this study presents a new set of highly reliable interactivity measurement scales to quantify the influence of specific individual dimensions and elements on interactivity as defined by the OIT model. Results are described, and limitations and practical implications are discussed. Keywords: Outcome Interactivity Theory, new media, interactivity, computer-mediated communication, instructional design _James P. Gleason___________________ Student’s Signature _12/16/2009________________________ Date THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONALITY ON LEARNING OUTCOMES: AN APPLICATION OF OUTCOME INTERACTIVITY THEORY By James P. Gleason _Dr. Derek R. Lane__________________ Director of Dissertation _Dr. Tim Sellnow___________________ Director of Graduate Studies __________________________________ RULES FOR THE USE OF DISSERTATIONS Unpublished dissertations submitted for the Doctor's degree and deposited in the University of Kentucky Library are as a rule open for inspection, but are to be used only with due regard to the rights of the authors. Bibliographical references may be noted, but quotations or summaries of parts may be published only with the permission of the author, and with the usual scholarly acknowledgments. Extensive copying or publication of the dissertation in whole or in part also requires the consent of the Dean of the Graduate School of the University of Kentucky. A library that borrows this dissertation for use by its patrons is expected to secure the signature of each user. Name Date ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ DISSERTATION James P. Gleason The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2009 THE IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE FUNCTIONALITY ON LEARNING OUTCOMES: AN APPLICATION OF OUTCOME INTERACTIVITY THEORY ______________________________________________ DISSERTATION ______________________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Communications and Information Studies at the University of Kentucky By James P. Gleason Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Derek R. Lane, Associate Professor of Communication Lexington, Kentucky 2009 Copyright © James P. Gleason 2009 DEDICATION To Missy and Courtney. To Mom and Dad. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Few accomplishments are truly solitary, and this journey would have not been possible without the encouragement, support, guidance and insights of many others. First, Dr. Derek Lane was my mentor, teacher and friend, and it was my good fortune to have him serve as my Chair. From the start, his encouragement and advice have been priceless, and I owe him a great debt. I also thank the complete Dissertation Committee, and outside reader, respectively: Dr. Jim Hertog, Dr. Deborah Chung, Dr. Gary Anglin and Dr. Joanne Melish. All provided valuable insights and critiques that helped refine and strengthen all aspects of this work. My wife, Missy Johnston, provided huge support throughout my entire graduate school experience, including many long nights and weekends. Her patience and encouragement were boundless. Courtney Gleason and I shared a unique father/daughter experience in pursuing graduate degrees at the same time, which added an additional dimension to her strong support and encouragement. They are the lights of my life. I received equally valuable support and guidance from family and friends. My parents, Pat and Paul Gleason, fostered in me a deep curiosity and love of knowledge, and helped me celebrate this accomplishment. Colleagues Dr. Bill Gillespie, Dr. Jayne Violette, Dr. Mike Hesse and Tim King were relentless cheerleaders in my pursuit of this goal, and their moral support was priceless. Similarly, the encouragement and flexibility of Renee Everett, my EKU Department of Communication Chair, enabled me to successfully balance the sometimes awkward intersections of my teaching duties and class schedules. ix Finally, the faculty members of the EKU Department of Communication and my fellow graduate students at UK shared valuable experiences and insights that enriched my journey. All deserve my humble appreciation and heartfelt thanks. x TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ ix Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... xi List of Figures .................................................................................................................. xiv List of Tables ................................................................................................................... xvi Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................................. 5 Literature Review ............................................................................................................ 5 Interactivity Redefined .............................................................................................. 10 Outcome Interactivity Theory ................................................................................... 13 Technology-Based Models of Interactivity ............................................................... 16 Experiential Models of Interactivity .......................................................................... 21 Content’s Contribution Within the Interactivity Construct ....................................... 31 Dimensions and Elements of Outcome Interactivity Theory .................................... 39 Interactivity and Its Relevance to Instructional Design ............................................. 43 A Pilot Study of Outcome Interactivity Theory ........................................................ 53 The