Summary

This Web-based presentation has attempted to demonstrate some of the strengths and limitations of interactive exercises delivered through the World Wide Web. Some of those strengths and limitations are generic, applying to all forms of computer-human interaction; others are specific to the medium of the World Wide Web itself, and its HTML- and JavaScript-based interface.

These are some of the generic points:

  • Computers are good at:

    • Matching one thing with another
    • Checking input against a range of possible answers
    • Parsing (breaking up) text
    • Keeping score
    • Counting time

  • Computers are NOT good at:

    • Ignoring minor errors
    • Divining your intentions
    • Understanding language

  • Computers-based exercises depend for their effectiveness on:

    • Thoughtful selection and design of exercise types
    • Awareness of the limitations of the medium
    • Careful preparation of data

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