This article describes efforts to include an expert system software package, based on the theories of B. F. Skinner, into a computer managed instructional system. The purpose of the system is to provide meaningful feedback to students concerning their achievement status on a weekly basis. The process for the development of the system is discussed as well as results in light of the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Conclusions are drawn that suggest that behaviorist techniques can be incorporated into instructional software at a level higher than the traditional task specific feedback.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
TerrellS., An Investigation of Cognitive Evaluation Theory: The Effect of Graphic Feedback on Student Motivation and Achievement (doctoral dissertation, Florida International University, 1992), Dissertations Abstracts International, 53–08A, 2749, 1992.
2.
TerrellS.GreenbergB., and RendulicP., Using Technology to Increase Achievement in Elementary School Children, paper presented at the International Conference of the Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT), Orlando, Florida, February 1995.
3.
TerrellS. and RendulicP., The Use of Technology to Increase Achievement in Elementary School Children, Journal of Instruction Delivery Systems, 9, pp. 13–16, 1995.
4.
TerrellS. and TerrellD., Increasing Motivation and Achievement in Spelling—You Can Make It Happen, paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Florida Reading Association, Miami, Florida, October 1995.
5.
TerrellS. and RendulicP., Using Computer-Managed Instruction Software to Increase Motivation and Achievement in Elementary School Children, Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 28, pp. 403–414, 1966.
6.
DeciE. and RyanR., Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior, Plenum, New York, 1985.
7.
SkinnerB. F., Science and Human Behavior, Macmillan, New York, 1953.
8.
SkinnerB. F., Are Theories of Learning Necessary? in Skinner for the Classroom—Selected Papers, EpsteinR. (ed.), Research Press, Champaign, Illinois, pp. 41–72, 1982.
9.
SkinnerB. F., The Technology of Teaching, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1968.
LuconiF.MaloneT., and MortonM. S., Expert Systems: The Next Challenge for Managers, in Decision Support Systems: Putting Theory into Practice, SpragueR. and WatsonS. (eds), Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, pp. 320–333, 1989.
12.
JonassenD.WilsonB.WangS., and GrabingerR., Constructivist Uses of Expert Systems to Support Learning, Journal of Computer Based Instruction, 20, pp. 86–94, 1993.
