| This study analyzed the instructional dimensions of teaching programmable automation in a specified baccalaureate industrial technology program. The problem for study was defined as the gap between the obligation to teach programmable automation in baccalaureate industrial technology programs and the implementation of that obligation.;The three interrelated elements of work environment, curricular conventions, and faculty preparation were described in relation to the instructional problem. A literature search on these elements confirmed the instructional problem.;Four objectives were stated with regard to the problem for study. They included identification and analysis of instructional problems as well as development and illustration of appropriate resolutions.;The literature was reviewed to identify problem areas in teaching programmable automation in an industrial technology program with respect to goals, content, instruction, and faculty. The literature review provided a basis for understanding the problem for study.;Seven key elements in the design context were identified and analyzed in the preparation phase of the instructional design process: institutional features, curriculum, content, instruction, faculty, students, and facilities. Each element was examined through an information search. Instructional design problems were identified through a comparison between the actual condition and desired condition for each of these key elements.;The optimal performance factors for programmable automation instruction were identified from the literature review and verified with a panel of experts. Instructional problems were identified by comparing the objectives in existing courses in the specified industrial technology program to the desired performance factors.;Four instructional elements (conceptual, contextual, instrumental and performative) were used as an analytical framework to formulate resolutions to the instructional design problems. The optimum resolutions were selected and justified.;A numerical control course was used to illustrate the optimum resolutions. The illustration can serve as a model for improving instruction in other specified programmable automation courses. |
