Evaluations of Interactive Learning Tools Among Engineering Students: Effects of Grit and Gender

Abstract

This study explores what determines engineering students’ evaluations of interactive learning tools (ILTs). Engineering students (n = 323) from large U.S. universities who had used McGraw-Hill’s SmartBook and Connect participated in the study. This study confirms that grit and gender are important factors in opinions and attitudes toward such tools. Specifically, among males, those with higher grit found ILTs as more useful and usable. Moreover, higher levels of grit were related to favorable attitudes toward ILTs. Interesting to note was that females reported more favorable evaluations on ILTs overall. These findings suggest strategies for the use of interactive learning tools for engineering students to succeed. Implications and recommendations for future research will also discussed