Effect of internet based distance education application designed according to elaboration theory on academic achievement of university students and retention of learning

The general aim of the research is to determine the effect of internet based distance education prepared within the framework of Elaboration Theory (ET) on achievement of students.2x3 (2 factors) Split-plot mixed design was utilized within the research. First factor including 2 levels within the research design displays 2 different experimental procedures (Control Group receiving instruction within the settings of traditional method - GC, Experimental Group receiving instruction within the settings of internet based distance education designed according to ET - GE), on the other hand, second factor including 3 levels within the research design displays measurements done before and after experimental procedure (pre-test, post-test, retention test). The study group of the achievement test developed within the scope of the research consists of totally 49 4th grade undergraduate students (Experimental Group: n=27 and Control Group: n=22) enrolled in Çukurova University. Pre-Test, Post-Test and Retention Test developed within the scope of the research regarding ASP Usage in ?Web Design? Course were utilized as data collection instruments.Experimental Group and Control Group were assigned randomly in this research. Instruction in Experimental Group was carried out with internet based distance education method prepared according to ET. Instructional strategies mentioned in ET were utilized within internet setting; therefore, courses were carried out with ?internet based distance education method prepared according to ET?. On the other hand, instruction in Control Group was carried out with traditional method. These procedures lasted approximately 5 weeks. One Factor ANCOVA, frequency (f) and percentage (%) were utilized in the analyses of data.It was found out that there is a statistical significance in post-test achievement levels of students in favour of instruction carried out internet based distance education multimedia materials developed within the framework of ET and methods utilized in terms of groups.It was found out that there is not a statistical significance in retention test achievement levels of students in favour of instruction carried out internet based distance education multimedia materials developed within the framework of ET and methods utilized in terms of groups.