The Network Approach to Co-operative Development of Computer-Aided Learning Systems

Abstract

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is conducting research in computer aided learning (CAL) through a project to establish a national network of academic, industrial and government bodies in this field. To this end the Council offers: a central research facility to collaborating groups; development of a system technology and the necessary standards to facilitate communication and feedback among users; and design of specialised CAL facilities. Co-operating educational organisations are using the central computer to develop “courseware” and to extend the computer facilities into special educational areas. Industrial contributions have been primarily concerned with hardware. NRC has also set up an advisory committee on instructional technology to develop ways of implementing the aims of the project.