An Evaluation of Three Computer Based Instructional Strategies in Basic Electricity and Electronics Training.

Abstract

Job requirements for Navy enlisted electronic technicians include extensive knowledge of basic electricity and electronic (BE/E) fundamentals. Historically the BE/E material has proved difficult for trainees to learn and has resulted in high setback and attrition rates. The objective was to evaluate alternative computer-based instructional strategies for teaching complex technical content. There were four instructional conditions: computer based drill and practice instruction (CBDP), enhanced computer based instruction (ECBI), a computer-based adventure game (GAME), and the existing classroom instruction (Cl). The trainees were evaluated on the schoolhouse comprehensive test, a specially designed cognitive skills test, and a motivation questionnaire upon completion of the instruction. In addition, time to complete the instruction was recorded and analyzed. In general the CBDP and CBI groups outperformed the CI and GAME groups on all measures. The GAME condition performed no better than the CI condition. When there were differences between the ECBI and CBDP groups, the ECBI group performed better.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA332176

Entities

People

  • Daniel Christinaz
  • John A. Ellis
  • Merle Vogel
  • Stephen W. Parchman

Organizations

  • Bureau of Naval Personnel

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attrition
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Education
  • Electricity
  • Instructions
  • Instructors
  • Metal Matrix Composites
  • Military Research
  • Naval Operations
  • Navy
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military Training and Readiness Simulation
  • STEM Education
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics