Describes a self-paced, computer-managed course on internal medicine for medical students at the University of South Dakota. The rationale for using a computer-based system is outlined, and the program is evaluated for cost-effectiveness, currency of information, curriculum goals and objectives, and student attitudes. (EAO)

The controversy over appropriate educational uses of computers is framed along a continuum based on the amount of support provided to the user. Software programs in which the user's role is to respond in a pre-determined structure (program controlled software) anchors one end of the continuum, while software which empowers the user to create new…

Although many people in education are intimidated by the use of computer-based instruction (CBI), others are committed to exploiting the opportunities it provides. Three areas comprise CBI: instruction about computers, instruction by computers, and instruction using computers; the first two areas have received the most attention. (1) Attention to…