Self-paced Instruction
Dick and Carey define self-paced instruction as:
any kind of instruction that proceeds based on learner response. The content itself can be curriculum, corporate training, technical tutorials, or any other subject that does not require the immediate response of an instructor.
Self-paced instruction is constructed in such a way that the learner proceeds from one topic or segment to the next at his/her own speed. This type of instruction is becoming increasingly popular as the education world shifts from the classroom to the Internet.
Keyboarding and Computer Applications courses are currently being taught using the self-paced method of instruction. Teacher intervention after each lesson is necessary to insure proper fingers and position are utilized for each letter, number, and symbol.
The student advances to the next lesson only after a lesson has been completed and graded by Mr. Nelson. The grade of 100 is given for each completed lesson if the student (1) chooses not to look at the keys, and (2) chooses to use the correct finger for each key.
If the student chooses not to use correct fingerings and/or looks at the keyboard when typing a lesson, the temporary grade of 60 is given and the lesson is retyped. After completion, the lesson is again reviewed by Mr. Nelson. Once the lesson is typed using correct fingerings, the grade of 100 is given and the student advances to the next lesson.
Each retyped lesson results in lost time. More time is now required to complete a given amount of lessons within the six weeks grading period. Utilizing time management is an important skill being taught concurrently in Keyboarding and Computer Applications courses. Before and after-school computer lab sessions can help in obtaining the desired grade by making up for lost time due to retyping lessons. Attending one or two after-school/before-school computer lab sessions each week will certainly help increase a grade.
Each student is expected to complete a prescribed number of lessons based on the student's choice of grade. For example, if 10 lessons are required for an A and the student only completes 7 lessons, the grade given is a C. The student (or learner) sets the pace - not the teacher.
Self-paced instruction has been used successfully in high
school, middle school, and elementary school classrooms since 1979 in the
following areas:
Accounting
Computer applications
(Keyboarding, Word Processing, Presentation, Spreadsheet)
Computer programming
(BASIC ― COBOL ― HTML)
Database applications
Keyboarding
Typing
(manual and electric typewriters)