TAKING THE PLUNGE WITH CLEM - THE DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A LARGE-SCALE CAL SYSTEM

This paper describes the design, use and evaluation of a computer assi sted learning package for first year university programming. The syste m, called CLEM, provides a resource rich, 'guided discovery' learning environment. It was developed by extending the CORE design approach, w ith a particular emphasis placed on enhanced interactivity and flexibi lity. CLEM was implemented using the hypertext tool, Guide, and delive red in a lab of 32 PCs running under Windows 3. It was used by over 20 0 students following four different course streams. The CAL system was the predominant method used by these students for learning Modula-2, the first year programming language. The students' reactions were asse ssed through observation, discussion and a formal questionnaire. The s ystem was rated highly on ease of use, ease of learning and as a prefe rred method of learning. The main design features of the system were i ndividually rated very highly. Performance on the programming module w as compared with a baseline period prior to the introduction of the CA L system. Marked reductions in failure rate were achieved on the full time courses. The results provide strong support for the effectiveness of properly implemented computer assisted learning in higher educatio n.