Teaching the Use of the Library to Undergraduates: An Experimental Comparison of Computer-Based Instruction and the Conventional Lecture Method

The overall objectives of the present study were (1) to provide specific information concerning the effectiveness of computer-based instruction in teaching the use of the library; (2) to compare the effectiveness of an automated programed instruction with the conventional lecture method as these relate to the knowledge students obtained; (3) to compare the amount of instructor's time necessary to prepare and teach by computer-based instruction with the time spent in preparation and delivery of lectures in the classroom; (4) to compare the amount of time it took to cover the content of the course. Specifically the writer tested the following hypothesis: Undergraduate students taught how to use an academic library by programed instruction would learn as much, in less time with less instructional assistance, than would undergraduates taught by the conventional lecture method. This paper presents a detailed description of the study, and a discussion of the results of the study in the light of the objectives outlined above. This paper also includes a general outline of the PLATO Teaching System. (Author)