Effectiveness of Interactive Video:

The effectiveness of interactive video as an instructional
methodology has been hotly debated, and its introduction provoked
a Luddite reaction among the ranks of educators.  However,
research indicates that well conceived applications have yielded
positive results.  In a study that evaluated interactive video
applications for military, higher education, elementary
education, junior high, high school, industry, and social
services, thirty-nine instances using statistical tests to assess
effectiveness concluded that in 61% of the instances there was a
favorable finding for use of the interactive video technique;
twenty-three instances evaluated without statistical tests
indicated a 96% favorable finding for interactive video (Bosco,
1986).  In another study called the Annenburg ICPB Project, four
major conclusions for the development of interactive video
instruction programs were drawn from an attempt to develop
interactive disks to simulate laboratory experiences in college
physics, chemistry, and biology.  These conclusions recognized
the need to:

1) develop interactive video environments around features from
other instructional methods and materials that are known to be
effective;

2) make the structure of the disk obvious;

3) provide the maximum amount of user control;

4) use feedback messages to reinforce performance, and provide
diagnostic messages to correct errors (Bosco, 1986).


While these studies indicate positive results in the use of
interactive video instructional systems, there is no conclusive
evidence that the technique it is significantly better than other
forms of instruction based on the same four principles.  As with
virtually all technological developments, the key issue in the
successful use of interactive video is in the appropriate design
and application of a system to meet well defined instructional
objectives.  Interactive video does offer advantages over
conventional instruction in particular applications, but needs
and goals must be clearly articulated (Bosco, 1986).  

<cfile25>   Hypertext Introduction
<cfile53>   Interactive Video
<ffile26>   Computer Literacy