Lesson 11 The computer as a tutor

 

Content

The computer is one of the wonders of human ingenuity. With the invention of the microcomputer (now also commonly referred to as PCs or personal computers), the PC has become the tool for programmed instruction.

          Computer-assisted Instruction (CAI)

·       The computer can be a tutor, in effect, relieving the teacher of many activities in his personal role as classroom teacher. The computer cannot totally replace the teacher since the teacher shall continue to play the major roles of information deliverer and learning environment controller.

·       Computer learning should not stop with the drill and practice activities of students

·       CAI works best in reinforcing learning through repetitive exercises such that students can practice basic skills or knowledge in various subject areas.

·         In these programs, the computer presents a question/problem first and the student is asked to answer the question/problem. Immediate feedback is given to the student’s answer

The computer plays its roles as it:

o    Acts as a sort of tutor (the role traditionally played by the teachers)

o   Provides a learning environment

o   Delivers learning instruction

o   Reinforces learning through drill and practice

o   Provides feedback

Experience

                We had this in our Genetics and Cell Biology class wherein we were tasked to complete a mission or test regarding the combination of genes and such. For me, this is an example of a computer-assisted instruction since the instruction is by the use of a computer and it also provides feedback after the game. Another example of these are those quizzes we used to take which then gives us the score immediately.  

Reflection

The computer is a tutor in this new age of learning. It does not replace the teacher, although it assumes certain roles previously assigned to teachers who now has to take the new role of facilitator and guide. In the years ahead, the computers in schools are used as a common tool for the enhancement of student’s thinking, communication and collaboration skills. Computer will become an integral component of the future classroom and not a mere machine that can deliver routine drills and exercises which means that all schools should have it.

Application

                Computers must not be used for entertainment but most importantly it could act as a tutor. There are programs such as CAI that would enable to teach the learners with their teachers acting as a facilitator. CAI entails the topics to be discussed, the students to learn in a more interesting and creative manner. By the use of this CAI, the students will be encouraged to do well in their studies and it would also result positively since students are actively involved in the process.