An evaluation of a computer assisted instruction program : the Curriculum Design and Development Simulation Program

Abstract

Between 1977 and 1979 a computer simulation package was designed and developed by the author and colleagues of Riverina College of Advanced Education. The Field Study attempted to evaluate the Computer Assisted Instruction package entitled “Curriculum Design and Development Simulation Program” (C.D.D.S.P.). The program simulates a class of primary children, where trainee teachers can ‘trial’ science curricula. The program was designed and developed for Riverina C.A.E’s Diploma of Teaching Students, in Wagga Wagga, N.S.W. A primary aim of the evaluation was “to determine the benefit and limitations of the simulation program for the final year trainee teachers at Riverina C.A.E, by evaluating the C.D.D.S.P’s aims.” the secondary aim of this study was “to determine if the participants using the C.D.D.S.P. saw it as a realistic portrayal of a local classroom situation.” This study reports the evaluation process, including the mediating factors which affected both the evaluation plan and the final outcomes. Using Daniel Stufflebeam’s C.I.P.P. model as the main guide for the evaluation, the main recommendations from the study were: ensure open communication between evaluator and participants in any evaluation study; have the evaluator on-site throughout an evaluation study of this type; ease participant’s apprehension about what is being evaluated; specify the audience receiving the final report; and, establish the appropriate climate before attempting to implement a C.A.I. program or simulation game.

Date of Award	1981
Original language	English