Multimedia Instruction in Basic English.

Individual, self-paced, and computer assisted instruction (CAI) characterize the English Multimedia Laboratory of San Antonio College, where entering freshmen with composite American College Test scores in the lowest category of 1-15 have increased from 28% in 1967 to 61% in 1975. The multimedia lab, operational since 1973, replaced the relatively ineffectual Basic English remedial course. Personalized instruction is the primary characteristic of the laboratory, each student moving at his own pace through ten learning areas according to specified behavioral objectives. CAI plays an integral part, providing nearly instantaneous feedback and additional tutoring, as necessary, to student users. CAI has also been adapted for use with hearing-impaired students. Results of the multimedia laboratory, in addition to increased levels of competency, include: individualized learning of basic skills at the student's own level of performance, individual review and testing, increased motivation, immediate reinforcement, improved attendance and student involvement, a sequence of instruction, and self-tutoring. A comparative study of students' subsequent freshman composition grades has shown that grades of D and F decreased from 54.02% in pre-lab years to 38.64% since implementation of the lab. (JDS)