Making Computer-Aided Instruction make a difference in college teaching

Abstract

This presentation attempts to discuss some of the factors that enable a computer-based instructional system to function as part of a practical and effective learning system, operating within the academic mainstream of a university environment. It is the author's view that all too many university Computer-Aided Instruction (CAD installations are so far removed from this context that CAI as an instructional tool is already in some danger of following the “programmed instruction” of an earlier era to well-deserved oblivion. A brief summary of CAI activities at Simon Fraser University will be given, with particular mention of the organization of CAI services, the use of our course-ware by other institutions, and our attempts to interface audio-visual devices such as slides, audiotapes, and the Philips PIP unit, to a conventional CAI terminal system. Finally, we will comment on our experience with the Coursewriter III system, and on the steps that must be taken if this system is to become a versatile and adequate instructional tool.