Implementation of an international web-based PSI course: A case study

An international Web-based Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) course has been implemented as a pilot study between the United States and Japan. Totally, 22 Japanese students participated in the authentic programming course as non-credit students via the Internet. Students from both countries could use the same learning management system, automatic test submission system, and application server. 10 Japanese students who completed the course answered a six-category questionnaire prepared to investigate the level of motivation, difficulty of contents, communication media, proctors, sense of presence, and learning mode. As a result, they exhibited strong motivation to study abroad and dependence on the proctors who supported their learning on site. However, two issues were recorded: First, since Japanese students were non-credit participants in the course, other incentives to motivate their participation were found necessary. Second, some initial network communication trouble to access the Application Server frustrated the Japanese students. These represent but a few of relevant issues pertaining to cross cultural instructional systems.