Computers and human learning
Not offered in 1995
Dr V L Lee
First semester * Clayton
This subject introduces students to research on aspects of learning. Much of this research is conducted with developmentally-delayed children and therefore is particularly (though not exclusively) relevant to students who work with these children. The research concentrates on human sensitivity to contingencies (ie cause-effect relations) and includes studies of pre-academic skills such as word comprehension and spelling. Computers are used in this research, but computer programming skills are not required to complete the subject, as non-programmers can easily use the relevant software. Sessions will consist of tutorials and seminars. Previous study of behavioural psychology is an advantage but is not necessary if students complete the pre-reading before the semester begins.
Assessment
Bibliography and 1500-word essay * Glossary and 1000-word essay * 10 short exercises * 2000-word report describing case study
Preliminary reading
Rusch F R and others Introduction to behavior analysis in special education Prentice-Hall, 1988
White J M and Brewer N Teaching basic skills: The principles of instruction Macmillan, 1992
Recommended texts
Iversen I H and Lattal K A (eds) Experimental analysis of behavior Part 1, Elsevier, 1991
Iversen I H and Lattal K A (eds) Experimental analysis of behavior Part 2, Elsevier, 1991