A Microcomputer-Networked Information System for Daily Academic Activity by Low-Achieving Secondary Students

Abstract

A local area network of six microcomputers provided 32 seventh-grade, LD and Chapter One students and their teachers with increased capabilities to access information associated with academic performance. Specific information in the system included descriptions of all academic tasks assigned to students, as well as such basic specifications as date due and point value. As each quarterly period of instruction within the school year progressed, the system accumulated a complete performance record for each student. Students, resource teachers, and mainstream teachers were able to request up-to-the-moment reports of pending assignments, missing work, grades on particular tasks, and estimated overall course grade. Findings obtained during a 27 week field test underscored the feasibility and potential significance of such a system. System use by students and teachers occurred at high levels. All participants indicated that system use was a positive experience and that system operation was important. A significant, positive correlation was obtained for student use and completion of academic tasks. Further potentials for such a computer-assisted information system are evident, including significant forms of home-school linkage and automatic recognition of student performance.