The essence of the computer revolution is yet to come, for computers are essentially generators of realities. Virtual reality (VR) is the next step in the evolutionary path; the user is placed inside the image and becomes a participant within the computational space. A VR computer generates a direct experience of the computational environment. The…

This report presents a case study evaluation of a mastery system of individualized instruction called Project Excellence at Ecole Secondaire Cochrane High School, Ontario. The curriculum consists of 20-unit learning guides in all courses. Students work in subject area resource centers and consult with teachers as needed. Teachers act as…

An examination was conducted by a teacher who was interested in how the responses of three multihandicapped students (7-8 years old) differed in one-to-one and one-to-three instructional arrangements given (1) the physical limitations of the students; (2) an activity that demanded much physical prompting; and (3) limited instructional resources.…

Several current approaches to evaluation stress the importance of making explicit the conceptual structure of a program--displaying the hierarchically related transactions which explain the program's movement from a set of "inputs" to a set of desired outcomes. However, individualized programs present particular difficulties in…

In order to individualize instruction for learning disabled students, tasks should be matched to students' abilities and learning styles. Two types of task modifications include modifying the task content to coincide with what students are ready to learn and modifying task processes and features to match how students prefer to learn. Readiness…

Learning centers are student centered. That is, instructional goals are matched to learner needs and desires and student learning is self-paced. Teachers coordinate the learning process while students explore and experiment with learning materials. The learning center has several advantages over the traditional classroom: (1) it is success…

Three main factors in textbook selection for distance education--readability, appropriateness, and availability--are examined in detail, and suggestions for adapting standardized texts to the needs of individual groups are provided. Twelve specific criteria are listed for determining the appropriateness of a text and textual factors influencing…

This paper focuses on item design considerations faced by instructional designers and evaluators when using computer videodisc delivery systems as a means of assessing learner comprehension and competencies. Media characteristics of various interactive computer/videodisc training systems are briefly discussed as well as reasons for using such…

Suggestions are offered for ensuring the effectiveness of individualized instruction and mastery learning. One or two brief ideas are presented in each of the following areas: (1) homework; (2) after-school help; (3) supplementary corrective programs; (4) parent involvement; (5) enrichment exercises; (6) supplementary materials; (7) student tutors…

This paper describes the structure and function of the SYS IV PLATO Curriculum Project's (PCP) computer-based management system and justifies the system design. A consideration of features most critical in the design of management systems provides the context for a discussion of specific SYS IV features, which include its ability to deliver any…

This is the final paper in a series of three on SYS IV, a computer-based management system developed by the PLATO Curriculum Project (PCP) which tests students, routes students to lessons, stores detailed records of online student activity, and keeps summary records of student activities. An introduction describes how the system simultaneously…

Descriptions are given of activities teachers have used successfully in individualizing instruction in the following curriculum areas: (1) art; (2) business; (3) career education; (4) environmental education; (5) foreign language; (6) health; (7) language arts; (8) library; (9) mathematics; (10) music; (11) personal finance; (12) physical…

Article provided a systems approach to individualized instruction. (Editor/RK)

Reports research predictions that education will be highly valued in the future and that students will study communication and life-coping skills with few students studying much science. (LS)

Suggests that teachers should encourage the children to interact, express themselves and do quality work in their classrooms as hedges against social problems and a mass approach to education. (ED)