The Individualization Project of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (0ISE) and several Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology (CAATS) jointly are developing a curriculum for upgrading mathematics skills. The project uses the computer facilities of the OISE and the National Research Council of Canada for on-line diagnosis and instruction of mathematics skills. The Computer-Assisted Learning system software was designed at the OISE and implemented with a view toward independence from any specific computer; therefore all system programs are coded in widely standardized languages. The authoring language, CAN-4 which is interpreted by the system programs, allows the curriculum designer and student a large degree of flexibility in the instructional process.
The mathematics curriculum material is designed as a set of generative modules keyed to behavioral objectives prerequisite for first year CAATS students. The project's goal is to provide the student with the most efficient means of instruction suited to his individual needs. Advanced assessment techniques requiring an online computer system provide valid decisions which can reduce the student's time required for mastery of the curriculum. Reports on the performance of each student and course are used by the project staff to improve the system and the teaching/learning process.