Computer Controlled Spelling Instruction: A Case Study in Courseware Design

Abstract

The research project “Feedback Processes in Computer Managed Spelling Instruction” was aimed at developing and testing an instructional software program for teaching the orthography of Dutch verbs. The main focus of this article is on how to design an optimal learning environment. The design of human-computer interaction is highlighted from a number of respects: the sequencing of the learning content, the presentation of information on the screen, and the format of student input and feedback. The program consists of seven instructional modules. In each module, a specific grammatical operation, such as grammatical tense, person, number or voice, is highlighted. The effectiveness of the courseware was tested in a field experiment. Two versions of the program, a Standard Version and a Flexible Version, were compared, taking account of individual differences in spelling ability and motivation variables. Results with both versions are reported.