Can Implementation of Computers Be Justified on Cost-Effectiveness Grounds?

Abstract

In this paper we examine claims that technology can decrease educational costs--primarily by replacing teachers and other staff--and increase educational productivity. We find this argument to be misleading for several reasons. First, most cost analyses focus on hardware costs: these costs are not the major factor driving the cost of computer assisted instruction (CAI). Second, technology is more likely to change the skill mix of labor in education than to decrease the intensity of labor. Third, studies of the effectiveness of CAI lead to a policy of integrating the computer with the teacher, not replacing the teacher. And fourth, the cost of replacing a significant portion of teacher time with CAI is currently prohibitive. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADA122896

Entities

People

  • John D. Winkler
  • Richard J. Shavelson

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central Processing Units
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computers
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cost Effectiveness
  • Cost Estimates
  • Costs
  • Digital Data
  • Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Graphics
  • Instructions
  • Instructors
  • Schools
  • Standards
  • Students
  • Universities

Readers

  • Industrial Economics
  • STEM Education
  • Systems Analysis and Design