Technical and Psychological Issues in Microcomputer Based External Teaching

A proposal is presented advocating the use of microcomputers as the prime learning tool of external students. Using the AUSTPAC Packet switching communications scheme, it would be possible to deliver course notes, receive submitted assignments from students, provide feedback, and allow communication between students, thereby eliminating the costly and clumsy mail-based liaison currently provided by many tertiary institutions. Attention is primarily devoted to the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal, in both technical and psychological terms. It is concluded that the scheme is a viable alternative provided that suitable software is provided and that consideration is given to initial attitudes of students, peculiarities in communication via computers, and the low predictive power of psychological tests in computer-based learning.