Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)
·
“It is the use of computer to assist in the presentation
of instructional material to a student to monitor learning process or to select
additional instructional material in accordance with the needs of individual
learners” - International Dictionary of
Education
·
A self-learning technique, usually offline/online,
involving interaction of the student with programmed instructional materials.
·
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.
·
CAI uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video
in enhancing the learning process
·
CAI refers to the use of the computer as a tool to
facilitate and improve instruction.
Typical CAI provides
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text or multimedia content
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multiple-choice questions
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problems
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immediate feedback
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notes on incorrect responses
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summarizes students' performance
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exercises for practice
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Worksheets and tests.
Types of Computer Assisted Instruction
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Drill-and-practice
o
Drill and practice provide opportunities for students to
repeatedly practice the skills that have previously been presented and that
further practice is necessary for mastery.
·
Tutorial
o
Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of
information and its extension into different forms of work, including drill and
practice, games and simulation.
·
Games
o
Game software often creates a contest to achieve the
highest score and either beat others or beat the computer.
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Simulation
o
Simulation software can provide an approximation of
reality that does not require the expense of real life or its risks.
·
Discovery
o
Discovery approach provides a large database of
information specific to a course or content area and challenges the learner to
analyze, compare, infer and evaluate based on their explorations of the data.
·
Problem Solving
o
This approach helps children develop specific problem
solving skills and strategies.
CAI – Its
Operation
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Before starting the programme, the student checks-in with
the computer by displaying his identity number. This connects the learner with
his part of the learning programme.
·
A computer package of information stored in the computer
is present sequentially.
·
At the end of each small bit of information, the computer
asks questions to test the learner.
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If the learner supplies the correct answer, the programme
moves on to the next steps.
·
If the answer is not correct, the computer gives error
signal and the topic presented again and re-tested.
·
This process will continue till the end of the programme.
Advantages of CAI
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One-to-one interaction
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Great motivator
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Freedom to experiment with different options
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Immediate feedback to the answers elicited
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Self pacing - allow students to proceed at their own pace
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Privacy helps the shy and slow learner to learns
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Individual attention
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Learn more and more rapidly
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Multimedia helps to understand difficult concepts through
multi sensory approach
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Self directed learning – students can decide when, where,
and what to learn
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Not affected human weakness
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Easily evaluate learning
Limitations of CAI
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May feel overwhelmed by the information and resources
available
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Over use of multimedia may divert the attention from the
content
·
Learning becomes too mechanical
·
Non availability of good CAI packages
· Lackof infrastructure
· Expensive
· Fails to appreciate the emotions of student
· CAI Programmes do not automatically sole the
psychological or educational problems.
