How successful is "Successmaker"? Issues arising from an evaluation of computer assisted learning in a secondary school

Abstract

The paper discusses issues arising from the year long evaluation of the use of the computer assisted learning (CAL) package "Successmaker" in a secondary school (Years 8-12). All students in Year 8 (n=199) and Year 9 (n=180) had equal access to the computer assisted learning lab for an hour session a week. Specialised groups like learning support, special education and ESL also used the lab for blocks of time. Multiple sources of data were used to assess the process and outcomes of introducing CAL. Issues arising include whether the rationale for such a program is well founded; its effectiveness, including cost effectiveness and generalisability of learning, and the question of educational integrity in terms of curriculum and pedagogical appropriateness.