Multi-choice questionnaires for revision

by Phillip Lawton — published Apr 07, 2014 01:50 PM, last modified Jun 08, 2015 02:48 PM

The engineering Science Project - one of the 30 projects of the National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning

by Philip Lawton. MIET; CEng.

When

1974-1996, retired, 1996-2014

Where. Leicester Polytechnic, now DMU. (Electronic and Electrical Engineering.) Home, Grandchildren, young people and parents.

What

Using Scientific Calculators. Using a main frame computer (batch then online to graphic terminals.) Using Personal Computers. 2014:- Raspberry Pi, Scratch & Image Viewer. Languages:- Fortran, Basic. MSdos. Various exsisting computer programs.

Who

Dr Peter Smith at QMC Chairman of the Engineering Science Project (One of the 30 projects of the National Development Programme in Computer Assisted Learning.) Members at Leicester Polytechnic were:- Barry Barker (Computer Centre) Ted Bates and Philip Lawton (Academic)

Why

Ted Bates was very interested in multi-choice questionnaires and an existing program named "Teacher" He wrote a series of questionnaires for first year undergraduates. The writer was concerned about repetitive arithmetic and waveforms. Seven articles were written entitled "Predicting Waveshapes using a Computer." These short programs are coded in BASIC and the articles still exsist.

Impact

The multi-choice questionnaires were used monthly, then left on the computers for revision purposes. Students refered to them at revision time. Tutorial time was allocated to the individual use of computers to present standard theory and the associated arithmetic. The lecture time was used to explain fundamentals, conventions, standards. The numerical predictions were verified in the laboratory. Reports were produced quicker, hence at a lower cost (time is cost)

Future

Maximise use of existing equipment, including School Web Site. Concetrate on Literacy and Numeracy, Teaching and Learning. (Metric Units) Inspection of School Web Site. Web site to state School Location as Latitude, Longitude (degrees decimal) Explanation of lat,lon for Google Earth. Also show and explain OSGB Use www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Learn from:- www.npl.co.uk www.theiet.org www.numberfun.co.uk

Filed under: pioneering, story, higher education, first use, educational software, assessment

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