A study of the perceptions of secondary students and parents of a career education curriculum in a small rural school system

Abstract

An investigation of the individual perceptions of selected students, teachers, and parents toward the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in a careers program was undertaken to provide information about the role CAI plays in the career education curriculum and other curricular areas utilizing CAI. A qualitative methodology was selected which utilized the informal conversational interview, allowing the researcher to be responsive to individual differences and situational changes to establish in-depth communication. Data analysis consisted of a constant comparative process approach, which allowed for analysis of data from different sources, within a data triangulation design across the three subject groups. The subjects were from a small rural school district and consisted of five high school students, six of their parents, and their teacher. As a result of the research, several significant factors about CAI, career programs, and computer usage were formed into the following hypothesis: 1) Students who have access to computers on a regular basis and are provided with training will be comfortable and enthusiastic about their use. 2) Computers are an essential information and communication tool whose access and use by students gives them an advantage in school and later in life. 3) Students feel the use of the computer for word processing and publishing is significant in that it enables them to be better and more creative writers. 4) The computer is an educational tool which should be utilized in all areas of the curriculum. 5) Careers curriculum is essential and enhanced by the use of CAI for accessing information and providing search and other functions.