Computer-Assisted Instruction in Vocational Education. Practice Application Brief.

Overview & Synopsis

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is becoming more important to vocational education, since at least 2 million schools now have computers, and by the year 2000, 75 percent of jobs may require computer knowledge. A review of the literature about CAI in vocational education produced the following findings: (1) although CAI can be effective in vocational education, its superiority over other methods has not been proven; (2) previous computer experience is advantageous in CAI; (3) access and equity are issues associated with CAI; (4) CAI can be a tool for teaching the applications students will use in industry; (5) CAI is an effective tool for delivering competency-based education; and (6) currently, CAI serves in a secondary role in vocational education classrooms. Some guidelines for effective use of computer-assisted instruction include the following: (1) all instructional staff should be familiarized with CAI; (2) access and equity issues should be addressed; (3) existing curricula should be examined to determined ways to integrate CAI; (4) costs and benefits of CAI should be examined before it is adopted; (5) CAI cannot be the sole source of instructional support; (6) drill and practice programs should be used to provide students with effective learning experiences while allowing teachers to have more time with other students needing extra attention; and (7) the role of CAI in vocational education should be broadened. It is concluded that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of microcomputers as a tool in vocational education. (14 references) (KC)