Evaluation of PLATO IV in Vehicle Maintenance Training.
Abstract
This study documented an Air Force service test of the PLATO IV Computer-based Educational System at Chanute Technical Training Center, Chanute AFB, Illinois. As a part of an instructional systems development effort for four Special Purpose Vehicle Repairman's courses, thirty-five computer-assisted instruction (CAI) lessons were prepared, covering approximately 20 hours of instruction. The evaluation addressed six major areas. In the first area, instructional effectiveness, the PLATO based version was the most efficient of the four versions compared (but the efficiency increase directly attributable to PLATO IV was not determinable). A cost analysis demonstrated that the Chanute application of PLATO was not cost-effective, but the potential exists for enhanced benefits by selectively applying PLATO and increasing student usage of terminals. A study of instructional impact showed student and instructor attitudes to be, respectively, favorable and acceptable. No major adversive impacts relative to the conduct of training were experienced. The fourth area, instructional material development, found the development process with its reliance on a team approach to be effective, but the lessons did not exploit the full potential of PLATO. The study of the remaining two areas, management and human factors considerations, revealed that relatively minor adjustments were necessary to accommodate PLATO within the military technical training environment. The authors concluded that PLATO IV could be a viable tool for military technical training once it is learned how to exploit the system's capability, and increase production efficiency of courseware and management applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA052623
Entities
People
- Brian E. Dallman
- David C. Gillman
- Perry S. Main
- Philip J. Deleo
Organizations
- Brooks Air Force Base