Research in the field of computer based instruction (CBI) has led to conflicting evidence on the efficacy of learner control over instruction. Typical implementations of learner control in CBI allow learners to proceed at their own pace, control the sequence of instruction, choose the amount of practice, or decide the level of difficulty…

Presents literature review of research studies that focused on students' learning processes and learner control of instruction. Highlights include computer-assisted instruction; information processing strategies; metacognitive skills; adaptive control; branching; sequence of instruction; feedback; learning strategies; locus of control; and…

The purpose of the research was to manipulate two aspects of genetics instruction in order to measure their effects on college, introductory biology students' achievement in genetics. One instructional sequence that was used dealt first with monohybrid autosomal inheritance patterns, then sex-linkage. The alternate sequence was the reverse.…

Describes study that investigated the roles of locus of control and learner control over sequencing of content and the ability of undergraduate students to locate and retain information in computer-based instruction. The correlation of grade point average with accuracy of retrieval and retention is also explored. (41 references) (LRW)