In addition to holding students accountable for their own learning, it enables instructors to diagnose weaknesses and know immediately when a particular student is falling behind. Tweaking the Model For Valencia supervisors and course instructors, computer-mediated instruction is very much a work in progress. Takashima is developing a more structured approach to testing, for instance, that would provide topic and testing deadlines and prod slower students into taking an exam within a required time frame. Academic Systems recently upgraded Interactive Mathematics to allow for more customization by the individual instructor. An instructor can create a curriculum plan for a course and enter Web-based text and graphic instructional materials that augment the students' learning.
Students can access lesson summaries and sample problems for extra practice.
Academic Systems has on-site training at each of the four Valencia campuses. Ongoing technical support from the company is available via email and voice mail. Beginning with the Fall 2000 semester, course material will include a CD with Internet software for every student. Early evaluations for Interactive Mathematics are encouraging, and additional, follow-up studies are planned. Improved pass rates in College Algebra were another positive sign.