Development of Course Modules for Elementary School Mathematics Using a CAI System Based upon a Personal Computer Capable of Playing Music

Abstract

Incorporating music and a sound-generating systeｍ into computer-assisted instruction should make it even more effective. The system described in this report used a personal computer with programs written in BASIC. The students may freely select short course modules for study. Sound and music are used to (1) give knowledge of results, (2) supplement animation, (3) presentation ofinstruction (4) presentation of non-verbal and non-pictorial cues, and (5) offer sound simulations. The author divides these into effective and cognitive functions for further explanation. He states that a special feature of this system is thatit permits sound-generation and music to match the learner's responses. The author also reports on the results of experimental use of this system at two elementary schools. He also discusses and explains ways of ?resolving problems which arise from inadvertent music, problems which he feels are peculiar to CAI. In the last part of this report he summarizes just what can be expected from use of a personal computer capable of music and sound-generation.