COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION IN ADULT BASIC EDUCATION: A MODEL TO PREDICT SUCCESS OF ILLITERATE ADULTS IN LEARNING TO READ.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a Computer Assisted Instruction/Adult Basic Education (CAI/ABE) model for the prediction of success of illiterate adults in learning to read using computers. The relationship to be examined is that of correlation and predictive association that may be present between any characteristics and performance of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) learner. The characteristics to be considered are cultural, physiological, psychological, and educational. The first step in the study was to review the literature available in each of the following component areas: CAI--a review of this concept and a determination of its uses and applicability to this study; Model building--an overview of the steps involved which served as a framework for development of the original CAI/ABE model presented in this study; ABE--an overview of its delivery systems, including the advantages and disadvantages of presentation formats; ABE learner characteristics--a summary of the literature describing the learners and addressing the relationship of their characteristics to performance. The second step was to present an original model describing the variables and predicted relationships with rationale. Thirdly, the model was pilot tested before its application to a sample (5 subjects) of ABE to ascertain its explanatory/predictive ability. The fourth step was to verify the outcomes of the model with a computer diagnostic program, Outcome Advisor (R). Finally, a summary, conclusions, and recommendations for application of the model and further research and development of the CAI/ABE model is put forth.