This document discusses the role of computers in education. It notes that computers were originally designed to perform mathematical and logical operations, and that the invention of the microcomputer and PC allowed them to be used for programmed instruction. The computer can act as a tutor for students, relieving some responsibilities from teachers. However, teachers still must plan activities and evaluate students. The document outlines the roles of students, computers, and teachers in computer-assisted instruction. It suggests that drill-and-practice software can reinforce basic skills when integrated appropriately into lessons by teachers. Different types of educational software are also summarized.

2. Computers are used in
the whole wide world.

3. The computer is one of the wonders of
human ingenuity, even in its original design in
the 1950’s to carry out complicated
mathematical and logical operations. With the
invention of the microcomputer(now also
commonly referred to PCs
or personal computers), the
PC has become the tool for
programmed instruction .

4. The computer can be
a tutor, in effect
relieving the teacher
of many activities in
his personal role as
classroom tutor.

5. Even with the available
computer and CAI software, the
teacher must:
 insure that students have the needed knowledge and skills for
any computer activity
 decide the appropriate learning objectives
 plan the sequential and structured activities to achieve
objectives
evaluate the students’ achievement by ways of tests the
specific expected outcomes

6. The students in CAI play their own roles as learners
as they:
 receive information
 understand instructions for the computer activity
 retain/keep in mind the information and rules for the
computer activity
 apply the knowledge and rules during the process of
computer learning.

7. During the computer activity proper in CAI
the computer, too, plays its roles as it:
 acts a sort of tutor (the role traditional
played by the teacher)
 provides a learning environment
delivers learning instruction
 reinforces learning through drill-and-
practice
 provides feedback

8. CAI
works best in reinforcing
learning through repetitive exercises
such that students can practice basic
skills or knowledge
in various subject areas.

9. The questions arises: when and how can teachers integrate
drill and practice programs with their lessons? The following
suggestions can be made:
 use drill and practice programs for basic skills and knowledge
that require rapid or automatic response by students
 ensure that drill and practice activities conform to the lesson
plan/curriculum  limit drill and practice to 20-30 minutes
to avoid problem
 use drill and practice to assist students
with particular weakness in basic skills
 teach new content/new information on
to students (inasmuch as CAI provides
practice on old already learned content)

10. provide comprehensive information on concepts in addition to
practice exercise.
 can be effectively use for remediation, reviewing, or
enrichment.
 allow the teacher to introduce follow- up questions to stimulate
students learning.
 permits group activity for cooperative learning

11. Simulation Programs
-simulation software materials are another kind of
software that is constructivist in nature. This simulation software:
 teachers strategies and rules applied to real-life
problems/situations.
 asks students to make decision on models or scenarios.
 allows students to manipulate elements of a model and get
the experience of the effects of their decisions.

12. Instructional Games
-while relating to low-level learning objectives,
instructional computer games add the elements of competition
and challenge
Problem Solving Software
-this are more sophisticated than the drill and
practice exercise and allow students to learn and improve on their
problem solving ability. Since problems cannot be solved simply
by memorizing facts the students have to employ higher thinking
skills such as logic, recognition, reflection, and strategy-making

13. The computer is a tutor in this
new age of learning.It does not replace
the teacher , althoughit assumes
certainroles previously assignedto
teachers whonow has to take the new
role of facilitatorand guide.