Journal of Educational Technology Systems

Students are dropping out of high school at an increasing rate. Many students have dropped out because they have poor basic skills and therefore cannot succeed academically. This study developed a strategy whereby the classroom teacher was given the responsibility to manage all aspects of the instructional process, including the assignment of computer-based learning activities for low achieving At-Risk students and peer group learning. The research investigated the effectiveness of a computer-based instructional model for improving the ability of At-Risk students to read, write, and calculate. The model placed the microcomputer and related software in the hands of the classroom teacher to be used as a tool for the target students in grades 1–8. Besides increased performance in most grade level tests, students and teachers also demonstrate positive attitudes toward using computers as tools.

This study examined the effects of computer-based instruction (CBI) versus print-based instruction (PBI) on motivation, continuing motivation and content recall. A total of fifty-two 11th graders were randomly assigned to either a CBI group or a PBI group. The CBI and the PBI groups studied Lincoln's Decisions on the computer screen and in print text, respectively. After motivation and continuing motivation in both groups were measured with the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey, the immediate and delayed recall was measured with sixteen multiple-choice items. As expected, the results indicated that the CBI group showed significantly higher motivation and higher scores in the immediate recall over those of the PBI group, but the results of delayed recall were not significant between the two groups, and continuing motivation was difficult to interpret. These findings are discussed in terms of the motivational function of computers.

Danville High School is located in Vermillion County in the state of Illinois, in the heart of the city of Danville. This school presented an opportunity for study of the impact of technology on teaching and learning because it has a diverse population of students and it is well equipped with computers to which all students have access. Two classes were selected for the study and comprised of a population of thirty students. All students used the software as a supporting tool in their study of essentials of mathematics. Before engaging in the use of this material, the students were administered a pretest and at the end of instruction a posttest was administered. Results showed an improved score in the posttest.

The Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP) Education Foundation awarded a grant to the Applied Computer Science Department at Illinois State University to survey the qualifications and certifications held by information technology college faculty. The survey instrument was mailed to a random sample of information technology department chairs at two-year and four-year colleges. The overall response rate was 41 percent. Issues covered include faculty composition and qualifications, ways of certifying information technology faculty, continuing education requirements and recognition of ICCP certification. Survey results show major diversity in faculty composition and qualification requirements.

With the rapid increase of videodisc instruction in numerous areas of education and training, more and more individuals are becoming involved with interactive video design and development efforts. This process is complex and requires different skills from the instructional development efforts needed for print or computer-based instruction. The success of a project will depend on the execution of precise quality control procedures during all phases of design, development, production, and revision. This article presents a quality control model that is intended for use with reasonably large projects. Portions, however, can be revised to accommodate projects of various sizes and product types.

Computer education and computer training is becoming more important as technology advances. Human resource specialists will be forced to make crucial decisions that will impact the total organization as more organizations use computer technology. Information is important to the organization. Business executives and managers need to be educated and continuously trained on computer information systems. The benefits from computer education and training outweigh its costs. This is evident by the increasing interest in education and training in business organizations. This article compares and discusses management information systems and marketing information systems and focuses upon the training that is needed for today's managers and executives. It is an attempt to review the major concerns of MKIS and MIS education and training.

This article provides information about the prospects and limitations of the Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems as they relate to training systems and educational programs. The article describes the potential benefits of expert systems and how it can be gainfully employed in training environment, industry, and business management to perform complex jobs. The limitations of the applications of the Artificial Intelligence are discussed as some tend to believe that human mind and computers think alike and AI machines can function like a real expert in every aspect of training and education.

Two technology education programs are reviewed to determine how well they are designed to prepare students for the workplace or engineering careers. A list of workplace related functional skills is used as evaluation criteria for the assessment. Another aspect of this review concerns how contextual learning has been implemented. Both programs were judged to contain instructional activities that use advanced technology effectively to prepare students for the workplace or college. These programs are also excellent models of how to help students learn concepts and skills via real-world problems and examples.