teaching machine
an instrument that (a) automatically presents programmed material to the learner, (b) provides an opportunity to check understanding at each step through problems or questions, and (c) provides feedback as to whether the response is right or wrong. One equivalent of the teaching machine is programmed instruction, which B. F. Skinner advocated. The modern-day equivalent of teaching machines is the personal computer, which is widely accepted as a supplement for teaching complex tasks, concepts, or skills, in addition to specific content areas. See branching.