A Project To Design an Evaluation of the Appropriateness and Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instructional Packages Used in the Remediation of Basic Skills

A project was conducted to develop two evaluation designs for computer-assisted instructional (CAI) packages used in the remediation of basic skills in Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs. Information was gathered from a literature review identifying principal factors and issues germane to the evaluation design; site visits, interviews, and observations; and structured interviews with expert panels, consultants, service providers, and vendors. The taxonomy developed by the project is a system of classifying CAI packages based on the needs of the JTPA population and the degree of complexity and quality of the technology employed in the CAI packages used by JTPA programs in the remediation of basic skills. The taxonomy requires consideration of types of CAI packages and quality measures. Two evaluation designs have evolved from the rationale and taxonomy: (1) a large-scale, longitudinal design equal to approximately six professional person years of effort; and (2) a small-scale, survey-type evaluation effort. Both evaluation designs are structured to provide information about the effectiveness and efficiency of CAI packages used in basic skills remediation in JTPA programs. (Includes 64 references and lists of vendors, experts panel, consultants, and programs interviewed.) (KC)