Computers in teaching and learning in U.K. higher education

Abstract

In this special issue of Computers & Education the U.K. Computers in Teaching Initiative (CTI) brings its unique perspective to bear on computers in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The present phase of the CTI has built on a number of earlier national initiatives including NDPCAL and the project phase of the CTI. 20 discipline-based CTI Centres are currently providing a range of information and support services. During the 1980s a number of universities established Computer-based Learning Units or Computer Literacy Programmes but their impact has in general been slight. In comparison with other countries the British universities are well resourced with equipment for student use, but support staff are thin on the ground and there are no U.K. equivalents of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Project Athena or of Project Andrew at Carnegie-Mellon University. Various classifications of CAL are examined as an introduction to the diversity of approaches detailed in subsequent papers. The effects of CAL on learning efficiency, teaching efficiency and flexibility are examined.