Mandell and Mandell (1994) refer to Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) as the "popular term" for describing the role of computers in instructional classes. The authors state that CAI actually has several different classroom roles which is to say that there are various methods of CAI instruction. Each of these CAI methods of instruction can be summarized as follows:
(1) Drill and Practice: Sometimes termed "electronic flashcards," drill and practice activities as a CAI method commonly involve first presenting the learner with the problem. The learner then responds to the problem.
If the response is correct, the learner receives some form of reward (praise, bells ringing, etc.) and then proceeds to the next problem. If the response is incorrect, there may also be some smaller reward followed by further instruction and then a computer urging of the student to try the problem again.
The purpose of drill and practice is to reinforce instruction. According to Mandrell and Mandrell, this form of CAI works particularly well with certain subjects such as math, spelling, or geography. However, as with other forms of CAI, learning is maximal when the software used for the purpose is of high quality.
As to why this form of CAI works so well, the authors state that this is due to the fact that the computer "is a patient teacher," that willingly repeats and repeats an exercise until it is learned. Also, this method of CAI provides immediate feedback, and allows a student to work at his or her own pace.
(2) Tutorials: The CAI tutorial is designed to introduce students to new material. Mandell and Mandell (1994) describe this form of CAI instruction as follows:
The new concepts are followed by questions that test the student's understanding of the material and build toward a certain goal. A careful sequence of questions can lead to discovery and new behavior. Tutorials are more difficult to write than drill-an...