Computer Assisted Instruction
Computer assisted instruction (CAI) is computer based learning activities that have been designed as stand alone learning tools or supplements to traditional, teacher-directed instruction. By this definition, CAI is a part of the broader area of computer based education and computer based instruction, which encompass the use of computers in any part of an educational setting. In today's computerized world, the educational applications of computers are numerous--drill and practice sessions, tutorials, simulations, managing the instructions, supplementary exercises, programming, database development, and word processing, for example.
The use of computers in the educational setting began in the 1970s. Newly acquired microcomputers were used for some instruction, practice sessions, and record keeping. In the next decade, the popularity of computers in the classroom exploded. In the United States, between 1981 and 1990, over 2 million computers were purchased for school use and the number of schools owning computers increased from 25 per cent to near 100 per cent.
In the last decade of the Twentieth century, the burgeoning information technology field resulted in an increased popularity of institutions offering intensive computer assisted instruction and training at the post-secondary school and university level. For example, the Information Technology Institute has 10 campuses across Canada and the United States that offer a 9-month program in applied information technology. The e-business training, which relies heavily on computer assisted instruction, produces graduates who are in demand--the employment rate for graduates in a relevant field is over 90 per cent within months of graduation.
In the traditional school setting, the explosive popularity in the use of computers as an instructional aid led to an assessment of their impact on the quality of education provided to students. As with any new technology, concern was raised that the reliance on technology might dilute the quality of education received by students. As evaluated by a number of criteria, however, computer assisted instruction has produced academic achievement superior to that obtained with traditional instruction alone. Generally speaking, this holds across the age spectrum and type of educational activity (arts versus science, for example). The beneficial effects of computer assisted instruction seem to be greatest when offered as a complement to the traditional teacher-provided instruction.
Word processing programs, with the ability to modify, delete and rearrange text, allow for a greater appreciation of the process of writing. Being able to explore different developments of a document leads to better writing outcomes than the use of either paper-and-pencil or typewriter, where the onerous effort of re-writing an entire document to achieve a revision can discourage exploration of different ways of expression.
The development of computer graphics and modeling programs with realistic three-dimensional capability has increased the learning and retention rates of students. Some studies have concluded that such computer based instruction can increase learning rate by up to 40 per cent, as compared to students receiving traditional, teacher-based instruction.
Another benefit of computer assisted instruction, particularly in the age of widespread Internet access, has been to ability to participate in an educational program from a distance. Home based learning programs of high quality are possible, with participants scheduling their speed of progress to their daily schedule more easily than if attendance at a physical location and time were necessary. For mentally or physically challenged individuals, this can be a decided advantage.
Computer assisted instruction may also offer a cost advantage. Following the monetary and time expense of acquiring the educational hardware and preparing instructional modules of quality, the expense of maintaining the quality is not as high as in the traditional setting. In an era of dwindling educational resources, computer assisted instruction allows the maintenance of high standards of instruction while holding the line on costs.
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