CAI & Librarians in Cyberspace

CAI
CAI is an acronym for "Computer-Assisted Instruction"- that is, a computer assists by delivering an instructional program. While this Web sites uses the acronym CAI, there are a variety of others names and acronyms used to refer to instructional computer programs; these include: CBE-Computer-based education, CAL-Computer-assisted learning, IAC-Instructional Application of Computers, CaI-Computer-aided Instruction, CaL-Computer-aided Learning, or CBI-Computer-based Instruction.

No matter which acronym is used as an identifier, the definition remains the same. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional method that uses a computer to present material, track learning, and direct the user to additional material which meets the student’s or participant's needs. It can also be used to describe Internet based instruction through the use of webpages, web bulletin boards, listservs and newsgroups, video and real audio, graphics, and hands-on applications. Additionally, self-teaching programs on CD-ROM or the emerging DVD round out the group of available forms of CAI.

Unique Characteristics of Computer-Assisted Instruction

There are numerous unique features of CAI which make it an exciting field. One of the most useful is its adaptability for distance learning. Before the dominance of microcomputers, distance learning was mostly accomplished through PI or the US mail system supplemented by telephone contact. On the contrary, CAI provides regular and timely interaction with the instructor and current feedback. Students can repeat tutorials as often as needed and work at their own pace. CAI also can be used with greater numbers of students than a traditional classroom would hold. CAI and web-based instruction have opened avenues of access to individuals with disabilities that were not possible before.

Intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) is programmed so that the CAI adapts to the student's individual needs. It acquires information about the student's current knowledge of a subject and his/her goals in learning the subject and then creates a user profile based on this knowledge. It can then adjust itself to the individual student.

Web-based instruction is unique in that students and/or instructors can communicate with each other anywhere in the world within seconds via the Internet. Feedback from the instructor can be obtained immediately.

Types of CAI:

(1) Drill and practice
(2) Tutorial instruction
(3) Simulation
(3) Games instruction
(4) Problem solving

Drill & Practice
The most common type of CAI program is drill and practice. It consists of exercises that take participants through material to which they have already been introduced until they reach a point where proficiency has reached a satisfactory level. One of the benefits of drill and practice is that participants may work independently and at their own pace.

Simulation
Simulation CAI programs present reasonable imitations of real events without requiring participants to engage in the real situations themselves. Simulations also make possible experiences that would not otherwise be open to participants.

Games Instruction
Games may not or may not simulate reality, but they are nearly always characterized by providing the student with entertaining challenges varying considerably in purpose, content and target population.

Problem Solving
This category of CAI programs requires participants to become actively engaged in solving problems in order to develop skills that are transferrable outside of the learning environment. Computer programs are admirable for this kind of task, because unlike similar problems in print, they can be modified for each attempt. In this manner, each attempt becomes a variation of the original problem and not a repitition.

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	Previous / Next *Defining CAI* CAI CAI is an acronym for "Computer-Assisted Instruction"- that is, a computer assists by delivering an instructional program. While this Web sites uses the acronym CAI, there are a variety of others names and acronyms used to refer to instructional computer programs; these include: CBE-Computer-based education, CAL-Computer-assisted learning, IAC-Instructional Application of Computers, CaI-Computer-aided Instruction, CaL-Computer-aided Learning, or CBI-Computer-based Instruction. No matter which acronym is used as an identifier, the definition remains the same. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional method that uses a computer to present material, track learning, and direct the user to additional material which meets the student’s or participant's needs. It can also be used to describe Internet based instruction through the use of webpages, web bulletin boards, listservs and newsgroups, video and real audio, graphics, and hands-on applications. Additionally, self-teaching programs on CD-ROM or the emerging DVD round out the group of available forms of CAI. Unique Characteristics of Computer-Assisted Instruction There are numerous unique features of CAI which make it an exciting field. One of the most useful is its adaptability for distance learning. Before the dominance of microcomputers, distance learning was mostly accomplished through PI or the US mail system supplemented by telephone contact. On the contrary, CAI provides regular and timely interaction with the instructor and current feedback. Students can repeat tutorials as often as needed and work at their own pace. CAI also can be used with greater numbers of students than a traditional classroom would hold. CAI and web-based instruction have opened avenues of access to individuals with disabilities that were not possible before. Intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) is programmed so that the CAI adapts to the student's individual needs. It acquires information about the student's current knowledge of a subject and his/her goals in learning the subject and then creates a user profile based on this knowledge. It can then adjust itself to the individual student. Web-based instruction is unique in that students and/or instructors can communicate with each other anywhere in the world within seconds via the Internet. Feedback from the instructor can be obtained immediately. Types of CAI: (1) Drill and practice (2) Tutorial instruction (3) Simulation (3) Games instruction (4) Problem solving Drill & Practice The most common type of CAI program is drill and practice. It consists of exercises that take participants through material to which they have already been introduced until they reach a point where proficiency has reached a satisfactory level. One of the benefits of drill and practice is that participants may work independently and at their own pace. Tutorial Instruction Tutorial CAI typically follows a pattern of introducing material that is new to the participant. The new material builds cumulatively, and the participant is tested periodically throughout the presentation to ensure that the content has been fully understood. Simulation Simulation CAI programs present reasonable imitations of real events without requiring participants to engage in the real situations themselves. Simulations also make possible experiences that would not otherwise be open to participants. Games Instruction Games may not or may not simulate reality, but they are nearly always characterized by providing the student with entertaining challenges varying considerably in purpose, content and target population. Problem Solving This category of CAI programs requires participants to become actively engaged in solving problems in order to develop skills that are transferrable outside of the learning environment. Computer programs are admirable for this kind of task, because unlike similar problems in print, they can be modified for each attempt. In this manner, each attempt becomes a variation of the original problem and not a repitition. Previous / Next