Prescriptive computer-assisted learning environments from a teaching perspective

• Main Author: Van der Vyver, John
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction - Research; Computer-assisted instruction - Computer programs - Evaluation; Educational technology - Research
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9517

D.Ed. (Media Science) === The education system in South Africa is at the moment in a state of flux and various strategies are being investigated to address and redress inequities in the system. Many persons would see the computer as playing a significant role in this process. The problem, however, is not whether but how to use the computer effectively and appropriately in the classroom. Should the computer merely be used as a recordkeeping facility, a tool to assist the teacher or as an instrument for assisting learners to develop their full potential as human beings (Schostak, 1988:147; HSRC, 1983a:38; HSRC, 1983b:163). Computer-assisted learning environments have variously been described as the best of learning environments and the worst of learning environments. No doubt, opinions as to the value of such environments can be found at every point along the continuum that joins these two contradictory viewpoints (Doulton, 1984; Hart, 1984; Roach, 1984; Merrill, Tolman, Christensen, Hammons, Vincent & Reynolds, 1986:279). It is the purpose of this study to systematically examine the literature regarding one of these computer-assisted learning environments and to describe its underlying theoretical assumptions in order to assess its significance for education and to provide guidelines for the development and evaluation of software that can be used in the learning environment...