Higher education institutions have taken to redesigning high-enrollment, introductory courses to improve student learning outcomes, student success, and degree completion. This paper presents findings from the assessment of course redesign by focusing on the case of developmental math at a large community college. The college adopted…

Many colleges and universities have adopted e-learning platforms to utilize computers as an instructional tool in developmental (i.e., beginning and intermediate algebra) mathematics courses. An e-learning platform is a computer program used to enhance course instruction via computers and the Internet. Allegany College of Maryland is currently…

Summarizes an experiment carried out in 1980 with students enrolled in a music theory course for nonmusic majors. Results indicated that competency-based techniques for drill and practice, used by the experimental group on the PLATO system, were more effective than traditional assignments used by the control group. (EAO)

Describes the use of microcomputer demonstrations as a motivating tool in a college psychology course that uses a mastery-based Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). The eight modules that make up the course and the 14 computer-oriented programs associated with them are explained, and an appendix includes student instructions. (eight…

Presents abstracts of 17 documents from "Resources in Education" on programed instruction, personalized system of instruction, and computer-assisted instruction. (PD)

Describes a self-paced, computer-managed course on internal medicine for medical students at the University of South Dakota. The rationale for using a computer-based system is outlined, and the program is evaluated for cost-effectiveness, currency of information, curriculum goals and objectives, and student attitudes. (EAO)

This personal account of the development of computer-based learning from the 1960s to the present argues that the 1960s were a period of gestation. Instructional applications of computers at that time included efforts to simulate physics experiments and the debut of the PLATO system, which already had the ability to deliver interactive instruction…

An inexpensive computer-based system supporting mastery instruction is described. Components include an optically scanned card accommodating scores for hand-scored portions of examinations, software for making objective items and scoring, and software for reporting total test scores and designated subscore sets. Subscores can be provided for…

This study compared three instructional strategies for teaching music intervals to beginning music majors: programed instruction using a linear programed text; mastery learning using computer-assisted instruction (CAI); and self-practice using a textbook. Subjects were tested on immediate and delayed (48 hour) retention. Mastery learning by CAI…

Demonstrates how Bayesian reasoning can be used to adjust the length of computer-guided practice exercises and computer-based tests to help make mastery or nonmastery decisions. Individualization of instruction is discussed, and the results of an empirical study that used the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) are presented. (25 references)…

Three groups of college students operated under different contingencies in the same classroom. The Programmed Achievement (PA) condition required students to show 100 percent mastery on 12 chapter quizzes, at the risk of grade loss. Control students took quizzes with no requirement for mastery, and a group of low achievers tried both methods. The…

Identifies problems with much of the early drill and practice software, and describes the development of a software package designed to assist with mastery learning in chemistry. The discussion covers features of the different programs and their effect on student performance. (CLB)

A project explored university students' reactions to various lesson design features in computer-assisted French lessons. Results indicated that drill-and-practice software could incorporate mastery-level learning goals when supported by adequate learner assistance, and that computer quizzes had a useful function. (Author/CB)

Final-year computer studies students in an expert systems class were given conventional tutorials, computerized tutorials, and computer tutorials with a mastery class. Both groups using tutorials out performed the control group; however, no statistically significant difference was found between groups using computer tutorials. Concludes that…

Describes research that investigated the effectiveness of computer-based instruction (CBI) in support of mastery learning based on a study of 333 undergraduate students who used a CBI system called Management Information Systems Tutor (MIST). Student performance and time on task are examined. (Author/LRW)