No abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the course management system improved attendance. This study compared attendance during the 2004 and 2005 academic years, prior to and after installation of a course management system. During the 2004 and 2005 academic years similar, unannounced quizzes were given and the number of students present during each lecture was obtained from documented quiz points earned. The total number of students enrolled in the course at the time of the quiz was determined from Registrar's records. During the 2004 academic year, students submitted hand‐written quizzes that were graded and recorded by the instructor. During the 2005 academic year, students submitted quiz answers using the infrared response pad which automatically recorded their grade. A one‐way ANOVA was conducted to determine if there is a difference between fall 2004 and fall 2005 in terms of the percentage of students attending class and if there is a difference between spring 2005 and spring 2006 in terms of the percentage of students attending class. Results indicate a significant increase in attendance during the semesters when the course management system was used.