Chemical Education Journal (CEJ), Vol. 5, No. 2 /Registration No. 5-26/Received September 4, 2001.
URL = http://www.juen.ac.jp/scien/cssj/cejrnlE.html

Computer-assisted Instruction in Chemistry

L. Glasser

 Molecular Science Institute, Department of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

E-mail: glasser@aurum.wits.ac.za

Abstract: The Department of Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand has been developing and using a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) system for its first-year students since 1980. The programs were initially developed for the Apple II microcomputer, but have been adapted, extended and enhanced for the PC (initially for the MS-DOS operating system, but now usable under Windows) since about 1995. The programs have an integrated marks management system which can be interrogated by both students and supervisors. There are presently about 90 programs in use, accessed by all students in our first-year classes; thus, the system is used well in excess of 10,000 times annually. The programs are of a 'practice-and-guidance' type, supporting the lecturers and tutors through assistance to students in the learning of routine procedures and providing encouraging advice when encountering student error. The system is well-established, with copies in operation at a number of tertiary institutions in South Africa, and a selection of six published by the Journal of Chemical Education. A sub-set of the programs would be suitable for school use, and have been adapted for this purpose. The presentation will cover the process of development of the material, addressing issues of quality and reliability, and its application in student learning.


Body of the paper


CEJv5n2CEJ Vol. 5, No. 2, Contents