The small computer assisted lecturing system

Abstract

Intensive courses are conducted by an instructor who is often supported by one or more assistants. However, for certain density of assignments, the work in such teams is difficult to organize and control. Then, the computer-assistant becomes indispensable. A teaching method is presented which offers many individual small and medium size assignments from 3--4 different subjects taught by a single instructor during a semester. An average number of 55 documents is processed and 150 grading decisions taken per day, without any help of a human assistant. The teaching concept is a traditional one and based on the assumption that scholars already have prepared courseware for many subjects. Also specific methods and tricks are worked out and well-tested. The system is attractive for staff members because it assures not only better teaching standards, but also leaves them more time for research. Finally, it is worthwhile to mention that powerful software systems are offered to support administrative functions of the university, but the needs of an individual instructor remain somehow forgotten.The system is implemented on IBM PC and requires a mini-system like VAX-780 only to print or display forms for students.