Abstract
This article describes a new introductory psychology course that is offered at SUNY Plattsburgh using the POISE Curriculum Information System. This course uses a traditional textbook and covers the same material as most introductory psychology courses; however, it uses a self-paced, mastery approach to learning, and is managed and delivered over the Plattsburgh computer network. Lectures have been replaced with open laboratory hours where students may come for assistance or to complete computer based activities. These activities include computerized, “self-assessments,” which students take to evaluate their own learning. When prepared, students take supervised, on-line exams. Because the lab is linked to the campus network, students may take their self-assessments from various locations on or off campus, day or night. Students also complete other learning activities in addition to mastering the material in the textbook. These include computerized tutorials and computer demonstrations, videos, journal articles, and public lectures. Students choose from among these activities and may, within reason, proceed through the course at their own pace. Students also use the campus e-mail system to communicate with their teaching assistants and with the instructor. The course is being offered for the third semester in the fall of 1995.
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