Implementing a computer training package to accomodate an increasingly computer literate cohort

This paper serves as both an example and a warning to academics seeking an alternative to traditional instructional methods for an increasingly computer literate cohort. Survey results confirmed that Graduate Diploma students were entering the Information Technology course with existing spreadsheet and database skills, but not to the extent that these applications could be totally withdrawn from the curriculum. A CBT package was introduced to satisfy training of skills but initially created a greater workload for academics due to inflexibility of the product and unanticipated technical problems. A second CBT package promising greater flexibility in access, student control and centralised monitoring was then trialled. The second package also led to unanticipated technical problems. Some strategies are suggested to aid the smooth implementation of a CBT packages if this is to be the chosen method for teaching application software skills.