An Investigation of Elaboration and Selective Scanning as Mediators of Learning From the Web Versus Print

Using 2 theories user control and structural isomorphism-the authors proposed 2 mediators of the influence of medium on learning, which suggested that the Web increases learning through increased elaboration, but decreaseslearning through increased selective scanning compared to traditional print.

Abstract

Abstract Recent studies suggest that Web delivery may produce less learning than traditional print. Left unanswered are questions of the process through which differences are produced. Using 2 theories user control and structural isomorphism-we proposed 2 mediators of the influence of medium on learning. Path analysis of experimental data varying medium while holding content constant suggested that the Web increases learning through increased elaboration, but decreases learning through increased selective scanning compared to traditional print.