Early Technology-Supported Education

Programmed Instruction. More directed and controlled by instructor/developer. Questions, answers. Decision paths, branch off

CAI Computer-Assisted (Aided) Instruction. Drill and Practice, Tutorial, Socratic. Students are more passive, don’t need to search for knowledge, just understand and have this understanding tested. Minimal interactivity. Useful for refined subject/skill areas. Mostly text-based.

Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) Hypertext learning. Able to explore wider context of topic. Can create links to other knowledge and involve others. Student makes decisions about further direction by searching for information and solving problems, problem-solving simulations and games

Computer-Based Training (CBT) Interactive multimedia technology and usage within computer networks. Extend live instructor training, plus can be individualized re: pace of assimilating knowledge. Can be costly. Can incorporate streaming video, videodisks

Historical Developments

1946 First vacuum tube-based computers, not available in education

1958 Minimal mainframe use for vocational education

1965 Some minicomputers in US schools

1971 Intel’s first microprocessor developed, first PCs

1975 Some Apple I microcomputers in schools

1981 Drill and Practice CAI in some schools

1983 Apple IIs in some schools

1984 Computer-based tutorials and learning games by some commercial developers

1986 In US K-8 using Apple II, High School PC

1990 Multimedia PCs developed, videodisks, more CAI programs

1994 Most US schools have at least one PC available

1995 Internet develops and begins to catch on

1995 -on more PCs in homes, schools, huge popularity of Internet by 2004 most applications becoming web-based. Broadband increases in North America. 4 Billion pages indexed on Google. “Google” becomes verb.