Computer-Assisted Instruction as a Training Methodology for Child Placement Licensing Staff

摘要

A formative evaluation was conducted of computer - assisted instruction (CAI) for training of child - placing agency foster home certification and licensing staff. The project's data were obtained from two sources: a review and analysis of CAI literature and the field administration of the CAI lessons, followed by an evaluative questionnaire to 29 workers from preselected child placement agencies in southwest and south - central Michigan. The literature and field findings support the proposition that CAI is amenable to licensing and regulation. It would seem that licensing and regulation, in which requirements of statutes and rules limit much user discretion, would be highly applicable for CAI. Attitudes toward CAI in the field test were very positive. Planning and research are necessary for the development of a CAI system. During a 6 - month, startup phase, operational goals must be defined and resources identified and provided. There are three main types of hardware available. Two effective systems suggested are a microcomputer interfaced with a large, mainframe computer and minicomputers located at strategic learning center sites. Finally, CAI should be incorporated into more areas of licensing training. Study data and about 80 references are appended. (Author abstract modified).