Assessment of Computer-based Employment Skills Learning Systems for Adults

Authors

  • Benjamin Levin The University of Manitoba

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that assessed the strengths and weaknesses of five computer-based, English-language integrated learning systems being marketed commercially in Canada for use in improving employment-related skills of adults. The systems are: Autoskill, CCC, Invest (formerly known as Jostens), Pathfinder and PLATO. The study was intended to generate data on the contexts in which the systems are used, the views of staff and learners in diverse settings about the systems and the strengths and weaknesses of each system under various conditions and with different kinds of learners. This article briefly reviews the study methodology and key findings, using those findings to raise some policy issues regarding the impact of computers on education.

Résumé

Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude visant à évaluer cinq systèmes intégrés d'apprentissage par ordinateur. Les logiciels, qui sont de langue anglaise et vendus au Canada, ont pour objet l'amélioration des habiletés liées à l'emploi chez les adultes. Les systèmes suivants furent examinés: Autoskill, CCC, Invest (précédemment connu sous le nom de Jostens), Pathfinder et PLATO. La recherche visait à produire des renseignements sur les contextes d'utilisation, à recueillir les points de vue des employés et des usagers, et à évaluer les forces et faiblesses de chaque systeme dans des conditions variées. L'article propose un survol de la méthodologie utilisée et des principaux résultats, suivis d'une brève discussion des enjeux politiques que soulève l'utilisation de l'informatique à des fins éducatives.

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Published

1997-05-01

How to Cite

Levin, B. (1997). Assessment of Computer-based Employment Skills Learning Systems for Adults. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 11(1), 27–39. Retrieved from https://cjsae.library.dal.ca/cjsae/article/view/2064

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (1997)

Section

Articles

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