Chapter 36 - Computer-Based Instruction

Abstract

Little interaction between the areas of computer-based instruction (CBI) and human-computer interaction has occurred despite the common interests and the head start that the CBI work had on the field. This chapter tries to bridge this gap and point out how much of the research done in CBI has relevance to the general area of human-computer interaction. The focus is on looking at the methods used in CBI and the research issues that could be applied to other human-computer interaction tasks. One of the advantages of looking at CBI research and its implications for general human-computer interaction tasks is that extensive research records have been kept of important parameters of humans interacting with computers. This chapter begins by surveying the techniques that are used in computer-based instruction. These techniques demonstrate that computers can be used to assist instruction at different levels. Several kinds of computer-based instruction are considered: computer-managed instruction, computer assisted instruction, intelligent computer-assisted instruction, presentation software, multimedia, and distance learning. Finally, the chapter investigates some of the themes that have occurred in CBI research.