SPONSORING OFFICE:
Office of Educational Research and Improvment

Abstract:
This research proposes a novel Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) approach to improve the science and technology literacy skills of a 3rd through 11th grade reading-level target population. The science and technology education of this target population is currently not being met through available CBI applications, placing the burden on human tutors. Most CBI literacy applications are focused at beginning readers or adults in need of general literacy education. This research addresses both science/technology material content and the instructional techniques used to assist a reader. The approach allows the resulting application to be used by children and adolescents, as well as technology-illiterate adults.

In Phase I, a prototype application was rapidly developed to provide a technology demonstration of the components for the Science-Technology-Literacy Browser, an Internet/intranet based presentation vehicle that will interact with the student to build their science and technology literacy level. The Phase II prototype system will function as a science-education/ science-reading-practice tool, incorporating a broad range of practice science and technology material, and facilitating the insertion of additional material. This allows straightforward use of classroom and job--related training materials, broadening the student's vocabulary and retaining the student's interest.

Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications:
This research will develop a semi-autonomous science and technology skills-enhancing software product with far reaching benefits for both the educational and commercial sectors. The approach could be used in: classroom and home children's science education; general adult literacy within civilian educational institutions; industrial remedial technology literacy skills; English as second language; and school-to-work programs. This technology can also be extended to aid with mathematics tutoring and job-skills apprenticeship training.

[Integrating SCANS]

[Virtual Reality]