PLATO has become a successful method for computer-based education in a statics course since it offers diversified teaching/learning activities as well as alternative ways to teach content and exercise skills. Advantages for student learning are discussed, course guidelines are given, and a description of the course's computer graphics is provided.…

Mechanics courses at West Virginia University are taught exclusively from programed instructional materials. Presents: (1) descriptions of these courses; (2) data indicating higher achievement by students participating in programed courses compared to students in courses using the lecture method; and (3) reasons for the success of the courses. (DH)

Reported is the development of a self-instructional course in engineering statics designed for engineering students that has been implemented in several institutions. There are 15 unit modules in the course divided into three different levels. Each unit begins with a description of general objectives. The unit is then divided into several subunits…

Reports on some objective data and presents some subjective conclusions on the use of self-paced instruction in an experimental electrical engineering course. Outlines some of the problems involved in the development of self-paced materials and identifies several demotivating factors associated with their use. (GS)

Describes changing methods in engineering instruction including efforts to: (1) increase opportunities for continuing education, (2) make instruction at all levels more responsive to the needs and abilities of individual students, and (3) educate engineers about the social consequences of their work. (Author/GS)

Briefly reports on the structure and evaluation of an individually-paced, two year civil engineering technology curriculum sponsored by a National Science Foundation grant. The written modules progress linearly with support media presentations. Students in the self-paced program generally outperformed lecture-based students on cognitive…

Analyzes a traditional and an innovative course in terms of learning principles, involving Erickson's management methods and Gagne's learning activities. Suggests that learning systems should be designed by applying all principles rather than emphasizing one or two of them. (CC)

The advent of microprocessor technology requires that the teaching of computer basics become a part of undergraduate digital electronics courses. This paper describes a laboratory-oriented approach to basic instruction requiring less than 10 hours student study time. The technique utilizes a programmed text and a small 4-bit computer,…