Virtual learning is not for every student, but it's not science fiction, either. Right now in Michigan, it's being used by thousands of students in hundreds of virtual courses in urban, rural and suburban school districts. In fact, Michigan has been seen as a national leader in virtual learning. This study analyzes the financial costs and academic…

The operation and methodology of the external financial evaluation of the National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning is outlined, and its three-tier approach to costing is described. (Author)

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has not been cost-effective, despite its instructional effectiveness. This financial failure can be attributed to many factors, including: oversell of CAI capabilities, poorly authored content, expensive and unreliable hardware, an educational bureaucracy resistant to innovation, and the decentralized nature of…

Though the Coleman Report stated that factors within the schools seem to affect achievement much less than factors outside the schools, this report suggests that there are strong and consistent achievement gains by students when they are given computer-assisted instruction (CAI) over a reasonable fraction of a school year. Supporting this claim is…

The uses for computer-controlled interactive video using a videodisc in training are discussed. Elements of the videodisc are examined: interactivity, soft skills training ability, effectiveness as a training agent, acceptance of videodisc by trainers, price, and cost-effectiveness. (CT)

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has become sufficiently widespread to require attention to the relationships between its costs, administration and benefits. Despite difficulties in instituting them, quantifiable cost-effectiveness analyses offer several advantages. They allow educators to specify with precision anticipated instructional loads,…

Claims that computers and other high technology can replace teachers and staff, thereby reducing educational costs, are unwarranted for several reasons. First, most cost analyses focus on hardware costs, which are not the major factor directing the cost of computer assisted instruction (CAI). Second, technology is more likely to change the skill…

This study exploring ways in which educational technology might be used to provide better schools for less money focuses on technological applications utilizing instructional radio, instructional television, computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, and programmed instruction. Based on a review of the literature on the costs and…

A description is provided of the format used to estimate the costs associated with the development and operation of a computer-managed instructional system. Total costs are conceptualized as a function of the number of hours devoted to each stage of the project and the cost per hour. The data management systems which were developed required…

A research project was conducted by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to investigate the computer-based education (CBE) needs of DMACC, design a CBE system to meet those needs, provide a plan for implementing that system, and justify implementation costs. The project report begins by discussing initial planning activities, including…

This document, which is intended for work force and workplace development providers, examines ways of reducing the costs of developing and delivering training to small and midsized companies. Listed first are the following strategies for cutting service costs: split the provider's development costs by delivering the same services to a number of…

The current paradox between the increasing interest in the utilization of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and the decreasing financial support from the Federal Government is briefly surveyed in the introduction of this annotated bibliography. The author also discusses the major problems that are now prevalent in CAI utilization: the lack of…

The Teaching Information Processing System (TIPS), a computer-augmented instructional aid, provides individualized instruction for large numbers of students. The TIPS procedure involves the following: (1) instructor preparation of a detailed course outline; (2) delineation of course concept areas and objectives; (3) creation and weekly…

Costs and production requirements for developing "mainline," as distinguished from "adjunct" computer-assisted instruction (CAI), are discussed. "Mainline" programs are complete systems which teach an entire course, while "adjunct" programs supplement a regular course. Mainline CAI programs are expensive. A course equivalent to a three-credit…

The Florida State model of computer-managed instruction (CMI) differs from other such models in that it assumes a student will achieve his maximum performance level by interacting directly with the computer in order to evaluate his learning experience. In this system the computer plays the role of real-time diagnostician and prescriber for the…