NCJ Number
85003
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 49 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 60-64
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Since 1977, the University of Illinois Police Training Institute has used computers to help train police officers.
Abstract
Due to the constrictions of teacher-centered structured presentations of material, the institute originally developed a computer learning system to teach report writing to the basic recruit classes. The use of a computer has been well accepted by the trainees, but has been criticized by supporters of bureaucratic traditionalism. Instructional activities using computer-assisted instruction now feature use of a Socratic method in which there is interaction between the computer and the student. The use of computer-assisted instruction successfully overcomes passive instructional activity. In addition, it frees the instructional staff for more individualized performance critiquing and reduces the learner's dependence upon early professional experience to achieve performance proficiency. The two basic combinations of computer-based training in tandem with classroom teaching include drill and practice before classroom sessions and learning reinforcement and evaluation. The article provides 19 footnotes.