Given the situation described above we decided to turn to computer-based education to solve the problems of shortages of staff, student motivation and quality control. The creation of high quality instructional programs is a formidable task. We do not believe that currently available computers and software can rival textbooks as the primary source of instruction in tertiary education. Books are portable, inexpensive and can be enhanced by outstanding graphics. It will be some time and will take the efforts of the major publishing companies before CBE is really competitive in this area.
Simulation is an area in which the application of computers seems highly appropriate.
In its simplest form a sequence of Biochemical events can be simulated for the purpose of explanation and in a more advanced form an entire experimental strategy can be simulated so that a student can make decisions while the computer simulates the consequences of the application of these decisions. The third area of application is Testing. Our circumstances are such that this application seemed most appropriate and I will describe our efforts in this area. Testing almost inevitably becomes part of a larger computer based system in which the students are set tasks and learning objectives by the computer and in which the computer maintains a record of the progress of the students and their test results. Our contribution to this area is the development and implementation of a management system for a network of PC's.