Examining the effects of learning in dyads with computer-based multimedia on third-grade students' performance in history

• We examined the impact of multimedia in a third-grade history lesson.
• Third-grade students worked in dyads.
• Individual collaborative skills and dyad collaboration level were considered as covariates.
• The multimedia group outperformed the control group.

The research examined the impact of multimedia within the context of collaborative dyadic learning on students' performance in a third-grade history lesson, taking into consideration students' individual collaborative skills and dyad collaboration level. Participants were divided into a control group and an experimental group. The same learning materials were used for both groups, with the difference that the learning materials for the experimental group were delivered via a computer. Students in the control group worked in dyads with print materials, whereas students in the experimental group worked in dyads with a multimedia computer application. After considering the effects of learners' individual collaborative skills and dyad collaboration level, the results showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group exemplifying the positive influence of the dyadic collaboration around a computer on learning outcomes.