Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wikipedia
Programmed learning (or programmed instruction) is a research-based system which helps learners work successfully. The method is guided by research done by a variety of applied psychologists and educators.
The learning material is in a kind of textbook or teaching machine or computer. The medium presents the material in a logical and tested sequence. The text is in small steps or larger chunks. After each step, learners are given a question to test their comprehension. Then immediately the correct answer is shown. This means the learner at all stages makes responses, and is given immediate knowledge of results.
Anticipating programmed learning, Edward L. Thorndike wrote in 1912:
Thorndike, however, did nothing with his idea. The first such system was devised by Sidney L. Pressey in 1926. "The first.. [teaching machine] was developed by Sidney L. Pressey... While originally developed as a self-scoring machine... [it] demonstrated its ability to actually teach".
Usage examples of "programmed learning".
Shaddam enjoyed discussions like this much more than the tutor's programmed learning routines.
The computers were also used for training purposes, of course, for practice exams and programmed learning tests that ate up most of the use time.