Towards Individualized Instruction With Technology-Enabled Tools and Methods: An Exploratory Study

This report addresses a renewed interest in individualized instruction, driven in part by advances in technology and assessment as well as a persistent desire to increase the access, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of training and education. Using computer-based instruction we delivered extremely efficient instruction targeted to low knowledge learners in sixth-grade algebra readiness classes and eighth-grade Algebra 1A classes. Our research questions were the following: (1) To what extent can very brief exposure to instruction result in learning? and (2) How effective is the instruction compared to no exposure? We found that computer-based “instructional parcels” can be developed to provide very brief instruction that results in learning of mathematics content.