A computer-assisted instruction (CAI) course : teaching CBASIC with a microcomputer

This thesis presents a method of teaching introductory computer science material to secondary school students. A computer-assisted instruction (CAI) course, written in COMMON PILOT for a CP/M s system, was designed to teach the programming language CBASIC. Background information on CAl is discussed in addition to related studies done in this area. The design of the course and the reasons for choosing this approach are also described.

Included in this report is a description of a three-week experiment which tested the effectiveness of this CAI teaching technique. The course was implemented at West High School with the Project Energy Special Learning Group. These students were seventh, eighth, and ninth graders who were in the top ! percent of their class. Four special learning groups were tested.

Results of this experiment are also described. Some problems encountered with the course are discussed, along with some possible solutions. Finally, a few suggestions for improvements to the course are included.