Development of an Online Course Using a Modified Version of Keller's Personalized System of Instruction

Abstract

Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) uses small units of instruction, self-pacing, mastery learning, lectures for motivation, and proctors for immediate feedback. While highly successful in the early 1970's, PSI fell out of favor for a variety of reasons. This developmental dissertation resurrects Keller's system in its purest form and uses PSI for an online Master's program. Using Cold Fusion™ and Dreamweaver™ an online Keller experience was created. Experts of PSI reviewed the product to check for fidelity to Keller's ideas. Formative and summative evaluation showed that this system of instruction is viable for the online environment. Recommendations and implications for future use are discussed.