8. Overall Conclusions

8.5 Future Work

The large amount of data collected for these studies could be examined in more detail than has been possible to date. The link between individual learning objectives and corresponding test scores could be examined , especially for groups using the packages for revision purposes as this may help to identify specific areas of the package where students improved and any weak spots in the packages which have not yet come to light. Some examination of the effects of a low or high pre-score has been undertaken but this could be developed further and again linked to specific parts of the package .There is also much further work that could be undertaken on the qualitative data. Further analysis could be carried out to quantify specific problem areas cited and the students' understanding of the context from the responses to: "What did you expect to learn from the package?".

In general the PCCAL house style is well received but, as mentioned previously, there is some evidence that some elements are rarely used and during discussion groups students admitted that they often ignored the aims and objectives sections of the package. Some detailed observations of two or three students working through a number of PCCAL packages (not necessarily the same students) would provide a good basis for evaluating the house style in more depth and ensuring that all components are useful and appropriate.

The PCCAL portfolio is large and continues to grow. The need for evaluation of these products grows alongside it. The prototyping approach adopted by the PCCAL development team has been very productive and is an effective way of ensuring that materials are developed quickly and easily. Whilst the content of the package is evaluated by academic specialists and the products are reviewed for technical and operational errors, no educational evaluation has been carried out until after the products have been released. Formative educational evaluation, using small groups of students should be established to assess the effectiveness of the materials from an early stage. This would build upon the work begun during this evaluation project and ensure that PCCAL products continue to improve and develop.