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Effectiveness of computer-aided learning as a direct replacement for lecturing in degree-level electronics

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nick Coleman, Professor David Kinniment, Dr Frank Burns, Dr Tim Butler, Dr Albert Koelmans

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Abstract

The application of computer-aided learning as a direct replacement for, as opposed to an adjunct to lecturing, is still in its infancy in higher education. This paper examines some of the reasons for its slow uptake and then describes a project to develop courseware for a large proportion of the Electronic Engineering syllabus within several United Kingdom higher education institutions. The first modules to be completed cover the area of Computer Engineering. We describe the philosophy and design of this courseware, and then report a series of tests in which the examination performance of students using it was compared with that of control groups taught in traditional lectures. The results clearly suggest that carefully designed courseware can lead to a large reduction in teaching time, with no significant difference in learning. We then describe the development of this courseware into what is believed to be the first degree-level Electrical Engineering course module to be replaced in its entirety by computer-based self-teaching. We discuss the impact of this development on the course structure, and show how the time gained has been used for additional practical work and tutorial support. Animated excerpts from this material are available by anonymous FTP.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Coleman JN, Kinniment DJ, Burns FP, Butler TJ, Koelmans AM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Education

Year: 1998

Volume: 41

Issue: 3

Pages: 177-184

Print publication date: 01/01/1998

Date deposited: 13/09/2010

ISSN (print): 0018-9359

ISSN (electronic): 1557-9638

Publisher: IEEE Education Society

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/13.704542

DOI: 10.1109/13.704542

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