Computer-assisted instruction in an elementary college economics course

The ingredients involved in the computer component of a cost effective college course in economics are examined in some detail in this article. As measured by increased student achievement and by favorable student reaction to the instruction the course is a success. The main computer ingredients used with the course consist of a series of seven instructional lessons of a review and expository nature, three hour examinations with multiple forms administered by the computer, a sophisticated record-keeping system and a note-writing capability enabling students and instructors to communicate with each other via the computer. In addition a study management system which research has demonstrated improves cognitive achievement was available but was not used in the experiment reported upon here.During the 1979 fall semester roughly 1000 students at the University of Illinois used the ‘economic supplementary package’—available world-wide through CDC. On the average students finishing the complete package spent somewhat less than one hour per week at the computer terminal. Off the computer students used different text books depending upon the lecturers teaching the various sections of the course. The author feels that instructors in other disciplines might benefit from knowing the peculiar combination of inputs which lead to favorable student acceptance of CAI instruction in economics and to statistically significant improvements in outcomes.