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Bibliography: pages 222-229. / The number of pupils with learning disabilities is on the increase and effective ways of attempting to remediate such pupils are always being sought. Current technology has presented remedial teachers with a potentially dynamic aid in the form of the microcomputer. Many of the attributes of computer-aided learning closely parallel the principles of remedial teaching and to this end it was attempted to establish the role of the microcomputer in remedial education. An in-depth study of the literature was undertaken. In the practical sphere, a survey was conducted to obtain the views of practicing remedial teachers as well as to establish the extent of applications in schools. Learning disabled pupils were observed interacting with microcomputers. The study revealed that the prognosis for embracing microcomputers in remedial education is encouraging. Applications exist for diagnosis and prescription of specific deficits as well as for prescribing the microcomputer in the sphere of general educational development of learning disabled pupils. Further applications for administrative and management purposes have reached-an advanced stage of development. With the development of appropriate software and proper "teacher education" the microcomputer has the potential to become a dynamic educational aid for the learning disabled; especially because of its motivational and user-friendly nature.

Computer based training of individuals is becoming more common. Computer based systems increasingly are filled with devices and appliances that enhance the user’s interaction with the computer. These new devices and appliances present new modalities of interaction with the user. This opens new possibilities for computer based training. However, not much is known about mapping these modalities to the user for enhanced learning. This thesis presents an artificial learning model for on-line training of individuals. The model supplied is a multi-modal system in that it links multiple input and output modalities to a user profile. The model contains a non-linear mapping between the user profile and the modalities. The non-linear mapping has been achieved through the use of an Artificial Neural Network. The learning model has been extended to include time dependencies of the suggested modalities via a feedback mechanism within the Artificial Neural Network. The presented results indicate the complexity in choosing the most appropriate mapping for an individual. Results are presented showing the robustness of the learning model. By taking cognisance of the user profile and context (e.g. the user is bored or tired) appropriate modalities are suggested which facilitate learning.

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An experimental data management system has been designed, developed, and implemented in this dissertation. The system satisfies the requirements specifications of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the School of Education. The university in this study has installed some learning management systems and assessment systems, such as Banner®, Canvas®, TracDat®, and Taskstream® (university’s name is omitted for anonymity purposes). These systems individually do not perform the necessary data analysis and data management to generate appropriate reports. The system developed in this study can generate more metrics and quantitative measures for reporting purposes within a shorter time. These metrics provide credible evidence for accreditation. Leadership is concerned with improving the effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, and performance of educational programs. The continuity, sustainability, and financial support of programs depend on demonstrating the evidence that they are effective and efficient, that they meet their objectives, and that they contribute to the mission and the vision of the educational institution. Leadership has to employ all means at its disposal in order to collect such evidence. The data management system provides comprehensive data analysis that can be utilized as evidence by the leadership to accomplish its goals. The pilot system developed in this research is web-based and platform independent. It leverages the power of Java® at the front-endand combines the reliability and stability of Oracle® as the back-end database. It has been tested on-site by some members of the departmental faculty and one administrator from the Dean’s Office in the School of Education. This research is a mixed methods study with quasi-experimental treatment. It is a single case experimental study. There is no control group. The sample chosen is a convenient sample. The results of this study indicate that the system is highly usable for assessment work. The data analysis results generated by the system are also actionable. These results assist by identifying gaps in student performance and in curriculum and instruction practices. In the future, the system developed in this dissertation can be extended to other departments in the School of Education. Some implications are provided in the concluding chapter of this dissertation.