Computers are a familiar sight in 21st century classrooms, and technology has been used to streamline many educational tasks. There are different types of educational computer use, and not all classroom computer use is considered computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The educational uses of computers considered CAI or computer-based instruction (CBI) are those cases in which the instruction is presented through a computer program to a passive learner or the computer is the platform for an interactive learning environment and personalized.
Computer-assisted instruction is used by a variety of individuals in a variety of subjects.
Within the broad definition, computer-assisted instruction can take different paths toward the same end. An example is how this instructional medium is used in relation to other teaching presentations. CAI can be used alone, taking full responsibility for delivering instruction to students, or in combination with conventional teaching methods, i.e. face-to-face. Research has shown that the combination of mainstream instruction and CAI has been most effective in increasing student achievement scores.
Some education incorporates the use of computers.
Computer-assisted instruction is used across the spectrum of education, from preschool to vocational school. It has been offered in a wide variety of fields, including all major school subjects taught in primary and secondary schools. At CALI, the Center for Computer Aided Legal Instruction, law students from the United States and other countries such as Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Ireland, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, and Taiwan have access to CAI’s law school classes to supplement their instruction.
Computer-assisted instruction can be used as an additional resource in the classroom.
Computer-assisted instruction has also grown in use in a large number of work areas. It has been used to teach novice nurses how to give IV injections, to teach jet engine mechanics in US Air Force maintenance, and to provide safety instructions to food service workers in a hospital urban.
Computer-assisted instruction can help with employee training.
CAI can also target smaller segments of the population. Computer-assisted instruction has also been used to personalize learning for people with learning disabilities, language limitations, and physical limitations. In the latter case, screen reader programs can cater to visually impaired users, and a person can use a variety of specialized interactive devices, such as trackballs, joysticks, and large keyboards, when a standard mouse or keyboard represents a challenge.
Webinars are a popular part of computer-assisted instruction.
