Showing papers in "Innovations in Education and Training International in 1989"

The Production and Distribution of Knowledge through Open and Distance Learning.

Abstract: Open and distance learning (ODL) technology offers a new form of market mechanism for the distribution of knowledge which is increasingly presented as a commodity like any other. Information technology (IT) is also having an impact on the technical and social production of knowledge and higher learning in general. This paper will explore a range of issues arising from this ‘mercantilization’ of learning, by which is meant the tendency for knowledge and learning to be seen as products, skills and competencies produced for sale by what Berger (1987) has called the ‘knowledge industry’ The paper argues that the nature of knowledge is changing under the impact of IT and ODL, as, for example, the Renaissance and subsequent scientific revolution replaced divine revelation with personal human speculation, conjecture and refutation; the current proliferation of new technology is replacing the agency of human speculation with a kind of impersonal, disembodied, free‐floating, public dissemination of information. It...

Critical Factors for Educational Technology Interventions in Developing Countries.

Abstract: Educational technologists are receiving increasing numbers of requests to develop instruction and training for projects in developing countries Very often instruction is provided when it is not an appropriate solution, and consequently projects fail Two critical factors are identified which must be considered by the educational technologist in order to create appropriate interventions A case study of a project in South America is presented to exemplify how inattention to these factors led to unsuccessful results

The Thought Box Project:: Results of the First Phase

Abstract: The Thought Box project is developing an integrated set of computer‐based tools designed for the needs of open learning. From the learners viewpoint, it will provide A consistent, intuitively understandable user environment which combines productivity tools such as wordprocessor, drawing, and modelling tools with learning materials using various media. An integral communication system offering easy contact with other students and teachers/ tutors/trainers. Using it, structured discussion and group projects will be a major learning methodology It will also provide access to on‐line libraries of educational materials. A low‐cost educational workstation, optimized to the needs of the distance learner During the past year and a half, we have undertaken some preliminary studies of the Thought Box workstation, funded by the Training Agency The studies have resulted in two prototypes. The first is a ‘physical and ergonomic prototype’ It is a full‐sized (but not working) model of the workstation, with a physical ...

Case Study: Iterative Screen Design ‐Errors as the Basis of Learning

Abstract: The theory and practice of screen design is interdisciplinary and fragmented. Although there are enough guidelines and recommendations to apply to an initial screen draft, it is the iterative decision‐making process during screen development that is important for training screen designers. There is an interplay between the given principles of design and their application to a new context Many examples of computer screens only show the final product Unless the iterative processes are shared, full understanding of screen development will be impaired. Two practical examples will demonstrate typical decision‐making processes involved with screen design Particular emphasis will be placed on the recursive effect of change on consistency and colour in example one, and the effect of colour, layout and movement on screen‐reading strategies in the second example

Opinion: Training Primary Teachers in Computing

Abstract: This paper lists the aims and objectives of units needed by future primary teachers in order to be up‐to‐date in the area of computer education.

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education and CBT Technology

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present an update of research originally published in two articles in PLET, 24, 4,1987 (Stratil et al, 1987a; 1987b). The authors have received many enquiries world‐wide for reprints from countries as far afield as Australia, Canada, Yugoslavia, Poland, India, USA and the USSR, as well as many from France and England. As the research moves on, the authors felt that the new concept of an Educational Laboratory, which exploits advances in the development of information technology, cheaper microcomputers and networks, the capability of linking multi‐media workstations as well as the deployment of free satellite television transmission from many European and Transatlantic countries, needs to draw constructively on advances made in the field of artificial intelligence Accordingly, this paper will describe an attempt to combine a traditional CBT approach to the creation of training material with the latest artificial intelligence approach (ICAI ‐‐ intelligent computer‐aided instr...

Case Study: The Relative Effectiveness of Programmed Instruction in the Teaching of Chemical Concepts: A Case Study of Schools in Ibadan

Abstract: This investigation was carried out mainly to determine whether programmed instruction was more effective than the traditional classroom method in the teaching and learning of chemistry in Ibadan. The two methods were also compared to see which would result in greater learning and instructional time gams. The sample consisted of 250 students drawn from three secondary schools. The instruments used were a programmed text in chemistry prepared and validated by the researcher and pre‐and post‐tests. It was found that the experimental group which used programmed instruction was 0.51 standard deviations above the control group taught in the traditional way. The programmed instruction technique had an average saving in instructional time of 23 per cent. These findings revealed that programmed instruction as a classroom method of teaching and learning in Ibadan is likely to have a more facilitating effect on students’ achievement. The relative educational implications of the findings are discussed in the report.

Case Study: A Retraining Solution to Skills Shortages

Abstract: SUMMARY A company in. Hertfordshire used retraining as a solution to its skills shortage problem in software engineering Hatfield Polytechnic designed an intensive, highly‐tailored programme for the company and ran the full‐time course over a six‐month period for six company employees The participants had a wide range of backgrounds and experience Following an initial introduction, projects were identified for each participant and programmes of work were tailored to meet individual needs Participants were assessed using portfolios, self‐assessment and peer group assessment, in order to identify where they might best be employed on returning to the company All participants successfully completed the programme, one year after the end of the programme they are all currently employed by the company, in the software field The success of this pilot scheme has encouraged other companies to commission similar programmes with the Polytechnic

Educational and Instructional Technology in China: Past and Present.

Abstract: Educational and instructional technology in China has been taken as something entirely imported from abroad. This paper presents historical views and facts on its development in the context of a Chinese background. Attempts have been made to solve its pressing problems that have arisen in the last few decades, especially since 1978 when reform and an open policy has been adopted.

Distance Tutoring Using Digitized Voice and Data Transmission.

Abstract: The term distance learning covers various methods of receiving training and education; for example, correspondence courses and the Open University The idea of people being able to learn at the place and time of their choosing has many attractions ‐‐ the possibility of lower costs, wider availability and greater personal convenience. In a recent project funded by the Training Agency (TA), Mast Learning Systems (MLS) has added a new dimension to distance learning by providing tutorial support using digitized voice and data transmission. This article will focus on the technical aspects of the distance tutoring system used in the project.

A PC‐based Audio/Graphics/Video Image Satellite Communication Education System and its Applications

Abstract: A PC‐based audio/graphic/video image satellite communication education system is described in this paper Five demonstrations of this system between China and the United States are described. This system is found to have possessed potential applications in various fields. It offers some concrete suggestions for teleteaching and teleconferencing development.

Case Study: Seafish Open Learning Project

Abstract: SUMMARY This paper looks at the setting up, piloting and evaluation of the Seafish Open Learning Project A summary of the pilot phase evaluation and of the findings are given, with information on the future of the project

Case Study: An Approach to the Teaching and Assessment of Introductory Computing

Abstract: SUMMARY This article describes the authors’ experience of teaching and assessing a course of introductory computing to first‐year Polytechnic degree students of chemistry and life sciences The opinions expressed in this article are subjective, in so far as they are based on only casual observation and conversation, not careful analytical research. This approach has been taken in the interests of quick publication.