| Author: | Tang, Sai-on |
| Title: | An interactive multimedia computer-assisted learning system |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 1995 |
| Award: | Awarded by Multi-disciplinary Studies, HKPU |
| Subject: | Biology -- Computer-assisted instruction Biology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- China -- Hong Kong Computer-assisted instruction Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies |
| Pages: | 1 v. (various pagings) : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This dissertation describes the development of a Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL) system for use by upper secondary students of a Hong Kong school. The system was used as a self-learning aid to study the Biology topic of "Homeostasis". The chosen subject domain is more effectively delivered with a multiple media strategy. However, using this teaching approach in the traditional classroom setting poses the problem of lack of learner control and failing to cater individual learning style. The CAL system was developed in trying to address these inadequacies. Interactive multimedia was designed as a key feature of this CAL system to stimulate the desired learning process. A number of system functions and a database were also included to monitor the learning progress and keep information of the learning path. An object-oriented approach was used in the analysis, design and implementation stages of the system development. 44 object classes were abstracted and designed for modelling the CAL system. 26 key services were described for use in delivering the learning material and for monitoring. A prototype of the CAL system was implemented in PC-based windows environment, with Microsoft Visual Basic being used as the development tool. 32 frames were created, with an average of 30 implementation objects per frame. A total of about 3200 lines of code were written to execute the application. The prototype was field-tested in a class (N=15), and then evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in delivering the learning objectives, motivating learning, monitoring the learning process, and in general its suitability for use as a self-learning aid for the subject domain chosen. From completed questionnaires and in-depth interviews, the students' reaction and attitude towards the CAL system were interpreted. An overall favourable appraisal was concluded. The students were convinced that the application had had a positive impact on their learning the topics entailed in the program. A mean gain of about 20% in the post-test score over the pre-test supports this subjective impression. The Visual Basic programming environment was found supportive of implementation of the object-oriented design of the CAL system. Control objects and language features available from the toolkit were adequate and effective to build an interactive interface and to implement multimedia presentation. The system development process was reviewed . The object-oriented approach used in the process was found productive. Firstly, the CAL problem space was easily modelled close to the real-world mental metaphor. Secondly, there was smooth integration of the analysis and design output for implementation. Lastly, the well-received features of this prototype were summarized, which together with the hardware-software system used for development, form a reference framework suitable for further CAL packages development in the local school setting. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b12027017.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 6.16 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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