Contributions to Adult Learning by Combining Expert Systems and Optical Data Storage Technologies in Computer-Assisted Instruction
Thesis
Overview
Overview
abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine expert judgements about possible technological combinations of expert systems and optical data storage systems that might occur within the next five years (1991-1996) and to determine the impact such combinations could have on adult learners if applied in the education and the training fields. This research sought to raise the awareness of hardware and software developers, trainers and educators as to the opportunities that exist for adult learners if instructional systems based on an expert system and an optical data storage medium were introduced into adult education settings. Three rounds of the Delphi technique were conducted with 74, 68 and 67 participants in each respective round with 49% and 60% return rates. The participants were composed of instructional technology professionals, trainers, expert system researchers and developers, and optical data storage system developers.The major findings from this research were as follows: Participants predicted that it will be possible to combine an expert system with an optical data storage technology (e.g. CD-ROM, interactive video, CD-I) in CAI within the next five years. Such an instructional system could benefit adult learners by: (1) providing instruction that is individualized for each learner, (2) creating performance support systems at the work site, (3) increasing the portability of computer assisted instruction systems to the degree that learning would not have to occur in the formal computer laboratory setting.However, it was also noted that the effective application of these combined technologies in an instructional system for adult learners may be hindered by: (1) production costs, (2) the technical and production difficulties of creating such systems, (3) the technical and production difficulties of updating such systems, (4) the lack of cost/benefit analyses which demonstrate the value of these instructional systems.Also noted in this research was the broad understanding across the professional areas of the contributions that could be made to adult learners though combining these technologies. Of the 64 statements generated from the 153 initial ideas in Round One, only three statements were unique to any one professional area.
