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

      ·         text or multimedia content

      ·         multiple-choice questions

      ·         problems

      ·         immediate feedback

      ·         notes on incorrect responses

      ·         summarizes students' performance

      ·         exercises for practice

      ·         Worksheets and tests.

Types of Computer Assisted Instruction

1. Drill-and-practice : 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.

2. Tutorial : Tutorial activity includes both the presentation of information and its extension into different forms of work, including drill and practice, games and simulation.

3. Games : Game software often creates a contest to achieve the highest score and either beat others or beat the computer.

4. Simulation : Simulation software can provide an approximation of reality that does not require the expense of real life or its risks.

5. Discovery : 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.

6. Problem Solving : This approach helps children develop specific problem solving skills and strategies.

CAI – Its Operation

·         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.

·         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

      ·       One-to-one interaction

      ·        Great motivator

      ·         Freedom to experiment with different options

      ·         Immediate feedback to the answers elicited

      ·         Self pacing - allow students to proceed at their own pace

      ·         Privacy helps the shy and slow learner to learns

      ·         Individual attention

      ·          Learn more and more rapidly

      ·          Multimedia helps to understand difficult concepts through multi sensory approach

      ·          Self directed learning – students can decide when, where, and what to learn

      ·          Not affected human weakness

      ·           Easily evaluate learning

Limitations of CAI

     ·           may feel overwhelmed by the information and resources available

     ·           over use of multimedia may divert the attention from the content

     ·           learning becomes too mechanical

     ·           non availability of good CAI packages

     ·           lack of infrastructure

     ·           expensive

     ·           Fails to appreciate the emotions of student

     ·           CAI Programmes do not automatically sole the psychological or educational problems.