Computer Assisted Instruction

Project “A” HRD 860Nancy D. Dowdle

Computer Assisted Instruction

Referred to as CAI Term often used interchangeably with

Computer-Based Instruction (CBI), Web Based Instruction (WBI), Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL), Computer-Enriched Instruction (CEI), and Web Based Training (WBT)

Computer Assisted Instruction Computer-assisted

instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to present the instructional material and monitor the learning that takes place.

Methods of Delivery

Drill-and-Practice Tutorial Simulation Activities Games Discovery Problem Solving

Drill-and-Practice

Opportunity for the learner to practice material an unlimited number of times

Material being practiced often presented before the training session

Best method for material that requires repeated practice to master (ex: multiplication tables)

Tutorial

Combines presentation of material with drill-and-practice, games, or a simulation to emphasize material and assist in learning

Most popular method of Computer Assisted Instruction

Games

Games use the instructional material to create a contest for the learner

The learner can compete against his own personal best, the computer, or other learners while mastering the material

Simulation

Provides a real-life scenario with the material to be learned being applied as it would in the real world

Simulation provides safety of learning environment

Discovery

Provides the learner with an opportunity to draw his own conclusions

Presents learner with a wealth of material on a topic and allows the learner to seek answers on his own

Problem Solving

Problem solving presents material in such a way as to develop problem solving rationale

Mainly used in children to develop problem solving skills

Tools for Designing CAI

Text Audio Video Multiple-choice Problems Immediate Feedback Exercises Tests Chat sessions Webcams

Pros of Computer Assisted Instruction

One-on-one interaction Freedom to experiment with learning options Immediate Feedback Self-pacing Privacy for shy/slow learners Learners have been found to learn more and

more rapidly Multimedia provides a variety of formats to

present difficult material Self-directed learning allows learners to decide

when, where and what to learn

Cons of Computer Assisted Instruction

Learner may feel overwhelmed at the volume of material presented

Overuse of multimedia can detract from intended learning objectives

Inability to ask a “person” a question when material is not understood

Equipment can malfunction Lack of good CAI packages or lack of

infrastructure to deliver CAI

What Kind of Learners Benefit?

Independent Self-motivated Enjoy receiving frequent feedback

What Kind of Learners Need Tailored CAI Tools?

Less motivated learners Those who require a lot of human

interaction Learners who are distracted easily

Computer Assisted Instruction

Some CAI sites for you to check out: http://www.inspiration.com/ http://www.aplusmath.com/ http://www.coolmath4kids.com/

Nancy D Dowdle HRD 860 Dr. Bronack Project A nancy_dowdle@hotmail.com