date and time created 86/05/23 09:24:42 by kjd

SCCS-vsn: usr.bin/learn/USD.doc/p1 6.1

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+.\"    @(#)p1  6.1 (Berkeley) %G%
+.\"
+.NH
+Introduction.
+.PP
+.I Learn
+is a driver for CAI scripts.  It is intended to permit the easy composition
+of lessons and lesson fragments to teach people computer skills.  Since it 
+is teaching the same system on which it is implemented, it makes direct use of 
+.UX
+facilities to create a controlled
+.UX
+environment.  The system includes two main parts: (1) a driver that interprets
+the lesson scripts; and (2) the lesson scripts themselves. At present there are
+seven scripts:
+.RS
+.IP \(em
+basic file handling commands
+.IP \(em
+the 
+.UX
+text editors
+.I ed
+and
+.I vi
+.IP \(em
+advanced file handling
+.IP \(em
+the
+.I eqn
+language for typing mathematics
+.IP \(em
+the ``ms'' macro package for document formatting
+.IP \(em
+the C programming language
+.RE
+.PP
+The purported advantages of CAI scripts for training in computer skills include
+the following:
+.RS
+.IP (a)
+students are forced to perform the exercises that are in fact the basis of
+training in any case;
+.IP (b)
+students receive immediate feedback and confirmation of progress;
+.IP (c)
+students may progress at their own rate;
+.IP (d)
+no schedule requirements are imposed; students may study at any time convenient
+for them;
+.IP (e)
+the lessons may be improved individually and the improvements are immediately 
+available to new users;
+.IP (f)
+since the student has access to a computer for the CAI script there is a place 
+to do exercises;
+.IP (g)
+the use of high technology will improve student motivation and the interest of their
+management.
+.RE
+.PP
+Opposed to this, of course, is the absence of anyone to whom the student may
+direct questions.  If CAI is used without a ``counselor'' or other assistance,
+it should properly be compared to a textbook, lecture series, or taped course,
+rather than to a seminar.  CAI has been used for many years in a variety of
+educational areas.
+.[
+bitzer plato 1970
+.]
+.[
+gray coala 1977
+.]
+.[
+suppes individualize 1967
+.]
+The use of a computer to teach computer use itself, however, offers unique advantages.
+The skills developed to get through the script are exactly those needed to use
+the computer; there is no waste effort.
+.PP
+The scripts written so far are based on some familiar assumptions about education;
+these assumptions are outlined in the next section.  The remaining sections 
+describe the operation of the script driver and the particular scripts now available.
+The driver puts few restrictions on the script writer, but the current scripts are
+of a rather rigid and stereotyped form in accordance with the theory in the next
+section and practical limitations.