The Computer as a Tutor
Computer-assisted instruction (CAI)
The
computer can be a tutor in effect relieving teacher of many activities in his
personal role as classroom tutor. It should be made clear, however, that the computer
cannot totally replace the teacher since the teacher shall continue to play the
major roles of information deliverer and learning environment controller. 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’ achievements by ways of tests the specific expected outcomes.
On the other hand, the student in CAI play
their own roles as learners as they:
- Receive information
- Understand instruction 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
During the computer activity proper in CAI
the computer too plays its roles as it:
- Act as 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
Simulation Programs
Simulation Software materials are another kind of software that
is constructivist in nature. This simulation software:
- Teacher strategies and rules applied to real-life problems/situation
- Ask students to make decision on models or scenarios
- Allow students to manipulate elements of a model and get the experience of the effect of their decisions
Instructional Games
While relating to low level learning objectives (e.g. basic spelling or math
skills), instructional computer games add the elements of competition and
challenge.
Problem Solving Software
These are more sophisticated than the drill and practice exercises and allow
students to learn and improve on their own 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.
Multimedia Encyclopedia and Electronic
Books
The Multimedia Encyclopedia can score a huge database
with text, images, animation, audio and video. Students can access any desired
information, search it vast contents and even download/print relevant portions
of the data for their composition or presentation. An example is the eyewitness
children’s encyclopedia.
The Electronic Books provide textual information
for reading supplemented by other types of multimedia information (sounds,
spoken words, pictures, animation). These are useful for learning reading.
