Computer Application, continued

Programmed with MasterMind, a computer offers the means to predict retention peaks. As a lesson progresses, MasterMind builds a mental model of the learner respecting the lesson and each item in it. On this basis, the retention peaks are predictable with surprising accuracy. MasterMind lessons embody "mastery" strategy. That is, a lesson continues until the learner knows all items. Potentially, MasterMind applies to innumerable subjects.

Without MasterMind, tutoring programs schedule repetition on a random or arbitrary basis called "intelligent" by their proponents. A standard technique is to compose a new lesson or sublesson on items missed. What "intelligent" tutors lack is the proper interval before repetition, so repetition seldom matches retention peaks. Being mainly too early (boring) or too late, its benefit is weak.

Because ordinary repetition mainly wastes time, MasterMind's gain in learning rate is large. How large? Measurement shows that learning with MasterMind is about five times faster than self-teaching with flash cards. When using flash cards, the tester does one's best to replace cards in the deck where they will aid learning.

The test employs two sets of fictitious items that are different but of equal difficulty. Questions have the form A=? where the answer is a 2-digit number. The comparison is between flash-card and MasterMind learning by the same person. Lesson size is enough to challenge the learner, normally at least ten items.

Touch Typing

Demand has spawned many computer programs that purport to teach typing. Compared with traditional workbooks, these (other than MasterMind Typing) can reduce learning time somewhat, about 30%. Non-MasterMind programs still take 25 hours, usually more, for a student to master the keyboard. Meager gain from such automation leaves paper workbooks with the cost/benefit advantage.

Marketers point proudly to the games and graphics in their typing programs. What users want, though, is to learn quickly and surely. By solving the learning problem where other software defaults, MasterMind makes automation powerfully appealing for the first time.

Besides working five times faster, MasterMind Typing makes perfection natural. A student clearly becomes a touch typist, knowing the whole keyboard. So another aspect of the MasterMind difference is: MasterMind Typing guarantees mastery while the others aim just to drill. [more]

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