NEWSLETTER - Volume XIII - Issue 3 - Use of Computers in Education Will Be Featured at National Computer Conference

Sep 21, 2026

April 1974 newsletter issue (Volume XIII, Number 3) from the National Society for Performance and Instruction announces an upcoming National Computer Conference feature on using computers in education. It presents “A Game Format for PSI Courses,” defining key game attributes such as rules for making moves and terminating the game, and describing how PSI course elements can motivate learners. The issue also lists contributor information, author biography, convention highlights, and current contributing members.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

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Use of Computers in Education Will Be Featured at National Computer Conference

A Game Format for PSI Courses

Game Elements

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWSLETTER Volume XIII,Number 3Published by National Society for Performance and InstructionApril 1974Formerly National Society for Programmed InstructionDedicated to advancement and application of performance and instructional science and technology # USE OF COMPUTERSIN EDUCATIONWILL BE FEATURED ATNATIONAL COMPUTERCONFERENCE A GAME FORMAT FOR PSI COURSES¹ SIVASAILAM THIAGARAJANCenter for Innovation in Teaching the HandicappedIndiana University A major program covering both the useof computer technology and methods foreducation plus education about computerswill be featured as part of the 1974 Na-tional Computer Conference &Exposi-tion,May 6-10,in Chicago's McCormickPlace. ## 2.A process which results in a finalproduct. Two critical attributes identified in anytechnical definition of a game are the pres-ence of rules for(a)making moves and(b)terminating the game.By this definition,acourse presented in the personalized sys-tem of instruction format(Keller,1971)isa game because it has rules for moves(e.g.,'"Youcannot go to the next unit untilyou pass the test on this one")and a termi-nation rule(e.g.,"You get an A for thecourse if you passed at least 17 unittests").Intrigued by this similarity,I setabout devising a system for emphasizingthe game aspects of the course and obtain-ing a few more useful contingencies formotivating the learner.The originalgame-course was used,appropriatelyenough,for a workshop on designinggames(Thiagarajan,1973).Since then Ihave applied it to a course on PI,andMolenda and Mulvaney(1973)have ap-plied it to one on the utilization of au-diovisual techniques.These courses dealwith three common elements: ## 3.Skills which are frequently usedin group situations. During part of the convention attentionwill be given to the use of computer tech-nology and methods for education.Topicsto be covered include applications involv-ing the 3-R's,school administration,sci-ence education,career guidance,continu-ing education,and programs for the physi-cally disadvantaged.Throughout,presen-tations will stress coverage of presentcapabilities and will also address oppor-tunities for future advances. The flowchart on the next page outlinesthe steps taken by an individual student inthis PSImulation game.This article de-scribes a sample game-course on PI forthose who would like to try"somethinglike it." Game Elements During the first class meeting of thegame-course,the student receives anoverview of the content of the course.Heis then introduced to the game whichloosely simulates a funded project:Stu-dents are divided into developmentalteams.Each team receives an RFP,sub-mits a proposal,receives funding(in play(Continued on page 3) Education sessions will be held Mon-day,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday of theconference.In addition to extensivecoverage of computer assisted instruction,a highlight of the education area will be asession on the use of computers for instruc-tion and administration in elementary andsecondary education chaired by SylviaCharp and organized by the Associationfor Educational Data Systems. IN THIS ISSUE ## 1.A step-by-step procedure,withintermediate products along theway. ’74 NCC willalso feature programs infourteen additional areas of data proces-sing applications and computer scienceand technology.This year's conference isexpected to attract 35,000 data processingusers,computer specialists,corporate ex-ecutives,management personnel,educators and governmental officials to its119 sessions,featured events and exhibitprogram. 1 A Game Format for PSI CoursesPrecollege InstructionChapter NewsThe President ReportsNSPI Member NewsERIC ColumnConvention Information 4 'This research was supported by grant\#OEG9-242178-4149-032 from the U.S.Office ofEducation,Bureau of Education for the Handicappedto the Center for Innovation in Teaching the Hand-icapped.Contractors undertaking such projectsunder government sponsorship are encouraged to ex-press freely their professional judgment

FAQs

What educational topic is highlighted for the National Computer Conference?

The newsletter highlights the use of computers in education, with coverage planned on computer technology in teaching and educational methods.

How does the article define a game for PSI course design?

It identifies two critical attributes: rules for making moves and a termination rule, explaining that PSI courses can function as games when they include these elements.

Who is the author and what role is described in the newsletter?

Sivasailam Thiagarajan is described as being named Assistant Director for Instructional Development at the Center for Innovation in Teaching the Handicapped.

Sep 21, 2026

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