Recent studies have shown that web-based discussion groups enable student interaction on classroom topics outside of class where they feel more comfortable. This increases overall learning in the course. It also allows for students to engage in more meaningful discussion and interaction early in their education which increases student retention. An Examination of the Effectiveness of Computer-based Instruction on Depth of Understanding, Retention and Application. While the educational literature suggests that computers may be effective teaching tools for immediate test performance, the research has not addressed specific aspects of computer-based instruction that may facilitate the greatest gains in depth of understanding and retention over time.
All students receive information via one of the instructional methods.
A portion of the students are given standard tests to assess immediate comprehension on a variety of levels. Another portion administer a more authentic assessment of knowledge by placing students in an environment where the newly learned procedure can be demonstrated with actual behavior, not just words. GIS Faculty Training. The workshop is administered by a licensed instructor of ArcView, the leading GIS software program in the market, meeting every other Friday for 2.5 hours over a period of 16 weeks during the 1998 Fall semester. The faculty develops a live GIS project throughout the semester.