Skinner’s Teaching Machine

I’m actually surprised that this isn’t discussed more. An update of Skinner’s Programmed Instruction for the computer age. Lots of research showing the benefits of the programs.

However, the problem that was there years ago is still there. It’s labor intensive to prepare the content. Programming responses is not much of a problem. The technological side is not that difficult. However, at the level required for Programmed Instruction, content preparation takes forever.

Have I also mentioned that it is quite boring. Could the use of computers help with this? Possibly. But the reality is that people get sick of taking baby steps. They don’t like being led. They want to think. A system like this would likely be very effective for those who could finish it, but I’m going to guess that attrition would look worse that new health club members after the holidays.