Describe and evaluate three types of computer-based instruction (CBI) programs that are available to supplement classroom instruction and briefly discuss whether CBI programs may someday replace teachers in the classroom

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

As noted in Table 7.1, the main types of CBI programs are drill and practice, tutorial, and problem solving (games and simulations). Drill-and- practice programs are designed to help students strengthen knowledge and skills learned earlier through repetitive questions and exercises. Tutorial programs are designed to teach new information in either a straight-line or branching fashion. Some tutorial programs are designed to mimic the instructional dialogue that teachers have with students whereby the teacher presents material, evaluates the student's response, and adjusts the difficulty level of subsequent instruction accordingly. Problem solving programs are designed to both teach new information and skills and give students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a meaningful, realistic (albeit virtual) setting. Although most studies have found that CBI-taught students learn more than students who received traditional teacher-led instruction, the effect is usually a moderate one (about 1/3 of a standard deviation).
Even the best CBI programs will never replace teachers or compensate for poor quality
instruction in the classroom. Successful teaching depends on the ability of a live teacher to establish a positive emotional climate, monitor student responses to instruction, and to plan the sequence and pace of instruction. CBI programs are simply instructional tools that are available for use by teachers.