Computer
Assisted Instructions (CAI)
MEANING
Computer has contributed a lot in each
and every sector of life. Computer assisted instruction (CAI) has emerged as an
effective and efficient media of instruction in the advanced countries of the
world. In fact, CAI is being used in formal and non-formal education at all the
levels. In India too, computer has been introduced in most of the areas such as
data processing, decision making.
It has also impact on the working methods
of research and development in the fields of science and technology. The
computers are being used in the almost all areas of life such as
transportation, communication, national defense, scientific research and
education.
FOCUS OF CAI
The main objective of programmed
instructions is to provide individualized instruction just to fulfill the
special needs of the individual pupil. In order to achieve this objective, some
efficient device is required. This device should be flexible and it can store
huge amounts of organized information. The device may help a person to use some
selected part of the stored information. A computer fulfils all these
requirements. It can store the organized information; it can process the
information suiting to the needs of the individual learner. In short, CAI
covers the entire educational system by proving itself a useful tool in
teaching various subjects
PRINCIPLE
This strategy is based on the principle
of machine on one hand and principles of programmed instruction on the other.
PURPOSE
The main purpose of CAI programme is to
provide individual instruction to students according to their abilities and
interests.
STRUCTURE
Both linear and branching types of
instructional programmes are used in CAI. Students are directly connected with
the computer via instructional material. The responses of the students are also
recorded by the computer. On the basis of the responses; the computer takes
decision as to which information is to be made available to the learner next.
If learner’s answer is correct, computer gives him feedback as well.
STEPS
INVOLVED IN CAI
a. Pre-tutorial phase:
The main purpose of the phase is that
the student must achieve the objectives by using a specific type of
instruction. Here the objectives of instruction are first determined and then
instructional programme is prepared and fed in the computer.
b. Tutorial phase:
Its main focus is to select a proper
instruction and present before the learner. It will control the learner’s
responses also. The learner may select one or more than one instructions at a
time.
ORIGIN
The first commercial computer was
operative in 1951 in Census Bureau. First CAI attempt was made around 1961 when
the University of Illinoisis produced Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching
Operation (PLATO). Hence the use of computer in general education started from
early sixties.
VARIOUS
INSTRUCTIONAL MODES
In the field of instructions a computer plays a major role. in these
computer assisted instructions, it interacts directly with the learners while
presenting the lessons. There are various instructional modes which can be
facilitated by computer assisted instructions (CAI).
1.
Tutorial Mode
In tutorial, information is presented in
small units followed by a question. the pupils response is analysed by the
computer and appropriate feedback is given. a network of branches or pathways
can be programmed to teach. The pupils are allowed to work on their own pace.
2.
Drill or Practice
In this mode, the program leads the
learner through a series of examples to develop dexterity and fluency using the
skill. All correct responses are reinforced.
3. Discovery
Mode
Here, inductive approach is followed.
The problems are presented and the pupils solve those problems through trail
and error. It is just like laboratory learning. It aims at the deeper
understanding of the results obtained from discovery.
4.
Gaming Mode
This mode may or may not be
instructional, but it is recreational. Sometimes learning takes place through
games. This mode is especially meant for young children.
5.
Simulation Mode
Here the pupil faces scaled down approximation
of real life situations. Hence, realistic practice takes place without
involving any risk.
6.
Problem Solving Mode
Problem solving can be readily achieved
provided the typical computational capability of the computer is available and
there is a typewriter and display response device with remote control of two
way communication. The students need to know how to communicate with computer
and low to solve his problem.
7.
Inquiry Mode
Inquiry is mode of third type of CAI
application. In this CAI system responds to student’s inquiry with answers it
has stored. In this mode instructional staff must learn how the system
operates.
8.
Author Mode
CAI is used to support instruction by
generating sets of materials for a student’s use. In generating concept
learning materials, these might be sentence forms which blanks in them each of
which is to be filled by a word or a set of word, i.e., inserted into the
blanks by computer according to the sets of instructions.
9.
Logo
This system was developed by Feurzeing
and Papart at MIT. Logo is a simple programming language which can be taught to
children. This programme provides instructions which can be used to produce
pictures on screen. The children, who learn LOGO, make up their own programmes
to draw flowers or faces or generate designs on the screen.
ROLE
OF TEACHER IN CAI
CAI directly interacts with the students
individually and with the teacher. Teachers are to play their role in CAI.
Human teachers cannot be eliminated from teaching- learning process. We can
highlight the role of a teacher in CAI in the following manner.
Use
of New tools
CAI provides the teacher some chance to
use new tools. This use will enhance the person’s satisfaction. Also it will
increase the individual’s efficiency. It can produce elaborate graphs and
drawings.
What
are the advantages and disadvantages of Computer Assisted Learning
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Interactivity |
Reduced social interaction |
|
Accessibility |
Over-reliance on technology |
|
Flexibility |
Limited feedback |
|
Cost-effective |
Lack of motivation |
Advantages
of Computer Assisted Learning
- Personalization – One of the biggest advantages
of CAL is that it allows for personalized learning. This means that
students can work at their own pace and focus on the areas where they need
the most help, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Interactivity – CAL is also highly
interactive, with multimedia resources like videos, animations, and
quizzes that can engage students and make learning more enjoyable. This
can help students to better retain information and stay engaged in their
studies.
- Accessibility – CAL is also highly
accessible, with many programs and resources available online. This means
that students can access learning materials from anywhere with an internet
connection, which is especially important in today’s digital age.
- Flexibility – CAL is also flexible, with
resources available 24/7 that allow students to study at any time that’s
convenient for them. This means that students can balance their studies
with other commitments, like work or family responsibilities.
- Cost-effective – Finally, CAL can be a
cost-effective way to learn, as it eliminates the need for physical
textbooks and other materials. This can help to reduce the overall cost of
education and make learning more affordable for students.
Disadvantages
of Computer Assisted Learning
- Technology
issues –
CAL relies heavily on technology, which can sometimes fail or malfunction.
This can lead to frustration and disruptions in the learning process, as
well as potential data loss or security breaches.
- Reduced
social interaction –
CAL may also reduce social interaction between students and teachers,
which can be an important aspect of the learning experience. Students may miss
out on opportunities for in-person collaboration, discussion, and
feedback.
- Over-reliance
on technology –
CAL may also lead to over-reliance on technology, which could be a problem
if students don’t have access to the necessary tools or if they become too
dependent on the technology for their learning.
- Limited
feedback –
While CAL can provide instant feedback to students, it may not always be
as detailed or personalized as feedback provided by a human teacher. This
could limit students’ ability to understand their mistakes and improve
their performance.
- Lack of
motivation –
Finally, CAL may not be as motivating for some students as traditional
learning methods. Some students may find it difficult to stay focused or
engaged without the structure and accountability provided by a physical
classroom and teacher.
Advantages
of the CAL are given below:
1.
CAL is individualized, that is each student is free to work at his own place,
totally unaffected by
the performance of any other students.
2.
Information is presented in a structured form. It proves useful in the study of
a subject where
there
is hierarchy of facts and rules.
3.
CAL forces active participation on the part of the student, which contrasts
with the more
Passive role in reading a book or
attending a lecture.
4.
CAL utilizes a reporting system that
provides the student with a clear picture of his progress.
Thus students can identify the subject
areas in which they have improved and in which they
need improvement.
5. By enabling students to manipulate concepts
directly and explore the results of such
manipulation, it reduces the time
taken to comprehend difficult concepts.
6. CAL offers a wide range of experiences that are
otherwise not available to the student. It works as
multimedia providing audio as well as
visual inputs. It enables the student to understand concepts
clearly with the use of stimulating
techniques such as animation, blinking, graphical displays etc.
7.
CAL provides a lot of drilling which can prove useful for low aptitude students
and through which
high-aptitude students can be escaped.
8. CAL can enhance reasoning and decision-making
abilities.
Limitations
of CAL:
Though CAL has a number of advantages, it has some
limitations also. Some of these are as follows:
1. A CAL package may be regarded simply as a novelty,
rather than an integral part of the educational process. It may threaten the
objectives of the package.
2. Though simulation permits execution of chemical and
biological experiments, hands-on experience is missing. Moreover, CAL packages
cannot develop manual skills such as handling an apparatus, working with a
machine etc.
3. There are real costs associated with the development
of CAL systems. It is expensive in terms of staff time to devise and programme
effective CAL.
4.Content covered by a certain CAL package may become
outdated. A very high cost is involved in the development of these packages. If
the course is outdated, the resources involved in its development will be a
waste.
Disadvantages of CAL Approach:
1. CAL packages may not fulfill expectations of teachers.
Objectives and methods decided by the CAL author and of a teacher may differ.
2. Motivating and training teachers to make use of
computers in education is a challenging task. They may have fear of this new
device. They may be unwilling to spend extra time for preparation, selection
and use of CAL packages. It may also be perceived as a threat to their job.
3. There are administrative problems associated with
computer installation. The problems particularly related to the physical
location of the computer resources, the cost of hardware maintenance and
insurance and time-tabling.
4. The rapid development of hardware makes it difficult
to select a system before it becomes obsolete. If a new system is installed by
a maximum number of institutions, they may not get courseware required for the
system and courseware developed so far may become useless.
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