Students enter the Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree course at the University of Melbourne from diverse backgrounds, and bring with them varying amounts of agriculturally based skills and knowledge. Throughout the four years of the course students need to acquire a sound and relevant knowledge base, and to develop skills in synthesis and integration of knowledge across disciplines. One aim of the first year of the course is to 'level the playing field' - to bring all students to a satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding of agricultural concepts and facts. A computer-aided learning program, "Pasture Plants of Victoria", has been developed to help to achieve this. Students use it to study the various pasture systems across Victoria, develop skills in recognising common pasture and pasture weed species, and learn the principles and practices of the identification process. The first iteration of the program was complete in 1994; it has now been used in several different situations, usually in combination with practicals using fresh plants. A range of techniques has been used for evaluation. Results indicate that the program provides a learning environment in which students can add to their knowledge at a level and pace that suits them individually. Students find it an easy tool to use, and are more interested and involved in their learning than in previous, more traditional practical classes. They were able to achieve good marks in a related assignment regardless of farming background and have been able to use the program to successfully manipulate complex agricultural relationships.
