Precursors to Web-Based Methodologies: Lessons We Can Learn from Teaching Machines, Automatic Tutoring Devices and Learning Hierarchies

Abstract

Many of us are using the World Wide Web in ways that are similar to the teaching machines and automatic tutoring devices of the 1950-1960s, yet we are moving ahead without building upon a base of knowledge that already exists from that era. This chapter reviews the basic ideas of the original automatic teaching and tutoring machines of those two decades — a linear programmed learning model and a programmed branching model — and compares these to hypermedia methods that are now enabled via web technology. Some classic ideas in assessing the cognitive and affective learning outcomes of teaching — somewhat analogous to usability issues of utility and likability — are reviewed. Greater emphasis on considering the educational outcomes is advocated when we use new online teaching technologies in programmed instruction.