Development of personal-computer-based instructional aids for introductory technology courses: initial accomplishments

Most existing related instructional software for the personal computer (PC) has been still-frame and often DOS-based, and has required the set-up or an extensive keyboard response protocol, rather than being animated and fully interactive. Also, few developmental efforts have related directly to technology education. The author received a National Science Foundation grant and a small Westinghouse Foundation award in August 1996 to support work to address some of these omissions. The present project seeks to address this deficiency through the development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of interactive, animated, graphical software aids for classroom and out-of-class use. The major focus of the present project has been to develop, implement, and evaluate user-friendly, microcomputer-based instructional aids which enhance student performance and participation in early courses, and provide problem-solving resources that students can use as they progress through succeeding courses.