Abstract
D.Ed. (Media Science)
The education system in South Africa is at the moment
in a state of flux and various strategies are being
investigated to address and redress inequities in the
system. Many persons would see the computer as playing
a significant role in this process. The problem,
however, is not whether but how to use the computer
effectively and appropriately in the classroom. Should
the computer merely be used as a recordkeeping
facility, a tool to assist the teacher or as an
instrument for assisting learners to develop their full
potential as human beings (Schostak, 1988:147; HSRC,
1983a:38; HSRC, 1983b:163).
Computer-assisted learning environments have variously
been described as the best of learning environments and
the worst of learning environments. No doubt, opinions
as to the value of such environments can be found at
every point along the continuum that joins these two
contradictory viewpoints (Doulton, 1984; Hart, 1984;
Roach, 1984; Merrill, Tolman, Christensen, Hammons,
Vincent & Reynolds, 1986:279).
It is the purpose of this study to systematically
examine the literature regarding one of these
computer-assisted learning environments and to describe
its underlying theoretical assumptions in order to
assess its significance for education and to provide
guidelines for the development and evaluation of
software that can be used in the learning environment...