The laboratory component of undergraduate engineering education poses challenges in resource constrained engineering faculties. The cost, time, space and physical presence requirements of the traditional (real) laboratory approach are the contributory factors. These resource constraints may mitigate the acquisition of meaningful laboratory…

The methodology and results of cost-effectiveness evaluations of computer based instruction used in military training are discussed. Methodological issues center on decisions about what cost elements and what effectiveness measures should be included, and how they should be combined. Preliminary results suggest that, in general, computer based…

The use of computers to assist in learning situations is reviewed on an international basis, evaluation studies and costs are examined, and critical issues are analyzed as they pertain to hardware, software, and courseware development. Recommendations are offered for educationally cost-effective uses of computer-assisted instruction. A 67-item…

The outline, steps, prodecures, methods, and format of a planned evaluation of the United States Army's Computerized Training System (CTS) are given. The evaluation is built into the CTS project and will have both summative and formative aspects. The three main areas to which the evaluation is directed and for which specific evaluation plans are…

This is an introductory presentation of economic evaluation methods for assessing computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Six different costing techniques, including cost effectiveness, are reviewed. Cost effectiveness is then examined in terms of its usefulness for evaluating CAI. A simplified system for cost effectiveness evaluation is presented…

Evaluates six "open" (empty of content and customized by users) software programs using the literature-based characteristics of documentation, learner control, branching capabilities, portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Interviewed computer-knowledgeable individuals to confirm the legitimacy of the evaluative characteristics. (LRW)

Progress made on the development of a plan for evaluating the cost performance and educational benefits of the TICCIT and PLATO projects is summarized in this annual report. The basic focus of the first section of the report, Cost Analysis, is to provide answers to the fundamental question of how much these two CAI methods cost compared with some…

Discussion of industrial-educational cooperation focuses on the Learning Curve model, which can be used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of learning programs. Cost effectiveness for homogeneous and heterogeneous groups is discussed, and the use of computers to gather information about learning achievement is considered. (Six references) (LRW)

Describes a four-tier model for designing and developing practice and assessment in computer-based training. Topics include teaching versus assessing; levels of knowledge; taxonomy levels and intended learning outcomes; and time and cost constraints that result in criterion-referenced tests being most widely used. (Author/LRW)

MICROPIK is a multiple-alternatives, criterion-referenced model for evaluating CAI (computer-assisted instruction) software and microcomputer hardware against selected curricular objectives. The model provides decision-modeling control over diverse interactive patterns that occur when computer hardware, courseware, and instructional objectives are…

This discussion of methods used to assess the effectiveness of training for U.S. Army personnel identifies various types of training, describes methods currently used, and suggests ways of improving the assessment process. The methodology and results of assessments of effectiveness, including the costs associated with the level of performance, are…

Flight simulators, computer-based instruction (including both computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction), and maintenance training simulators are as effective, when used for training, as aircraft, conventional classroom instruction, and actual equipment, respectively. Data from about 100 studies are reported to support this finding. These…

This study was conducted to assist in the selection of a system of computer based instruction to supplement Strategic Weapon System (SWS) laboratory simulation training at the TRIDENT Training Facility. Three phases to the process were defined. In Phase I, an analysis was performed to define the training objectives for the supplemental computer…

The major advantages in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are the potential for the individualization of instruction and the savings in instructional time. CAI's major disadvantages include the large amount of time required for course development, personnel required, initial outlay of funds, and the total cost. Other disadvantages, due to the…

Discusses how to examine and evaluate claims of improved academic performance in advertisements for computer-assisted instruction. Highlights include the proper use of comparison groups; types of statistical analyses; the Hawthorne effect; the interpretation of scores; interpreting graphic presentations; tests of significance; and cost…