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ERIC Number: ED259225
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Oct
Pages: 40
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Effects of Computer Generated Schedules on the Performance of Athabasca University Learners. REDEAL Research Report #5. Project REDEAL. Research and Evaluation of Distance Education for the Adult Learner.
Spencer, Robert E.
A post hoc analysis was conducted of a computer-based prototype designed to generate individualized study schedules for learners enrolled in two home study courses at Athabasca University. The project sought to determine the use of such a prototype in home study courses and its effect on completion rates. Learners in the courses were asked if they would like a study schedule generated for them. Results showed that, while the majority of learners elected to receive an individualized study schedule, the learners did not like using the schedules, very few learners used or followed the prescribed schedules, and the schedules were not effective in increasing course completion rates. Problems with interpreting the results resulted from problems in the design and implementation of the project, namely schedules were received after courses started, tutors were not trained to deal with learner excuses and to renegotiate, and tutors did not discuss schedules with learners on a consistent basis. Suggested ways of improving the prototype were: allowing the learner to specify completion dates and associating a contingency with completing tasks on schedule. (A description of the computer program is appended.) (YLB)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Alberta Dept. of Advanced Education and Manpower, Edmonton.
Authoring Institution: Athabasca Univ., Edmonton (Alberta).
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A