Evaluation of the NJROTC Multimedia Instructional System

This study discusses a computer-based multimedia instructional system. The system is being used by the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps unit at Sanger High School in California, where it was developed, and at other high schools. The Office of the Chief of Naval Education and Training asked RAND to evaluate the system before determining whether to expand it to additional schools. The evaluation was conducted at two high schools. It was found that students who used the system made greater academic progress than their peers who received traditional methods of instruction. Students reported that classes using the system were better organized and more compelling than traditional classes. Instructors reported that the system reduced their workload, facilitated their ability to enhance their course, and made their classroom experience more rewarding. Relative to traditional methods of instruction, the system appears to have a potential to facilitate new and more effective pedagogical techniques and achieve cost-savings.