The Computer as a Tutor

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. The teacher must: Ensure that
students have the needed knowledge and skills for any computer activity. The teacher must: Decide the
appropriate learning objectives. The teacher must: Plan the sequential and structured activities to achieve
the objectives. Evaluate the students achievement by ways that tests specific expected outcomes. Students
in CAI play their own roles as learners, as they: Receive information. Students in CAI play their own roles
as learners, as they: Understand information for the computer activity. Students in CAI play their own roles
as learners, as they: Retain/keep in mind the information and rules for the computer activity. Students in
CAI play their own roles as learners, as they: Apply the knowledge and rules during the process of
computer learning.
The computer plays its roles as it:
Acts as a sort of tutor (the role traditionally played by the teachers)
Provides a learning environment
Delivers learning instruction
Reinforces learning through drill and practice
Provides feedback

CAI integrated with Lessons

CAI 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 students answer.
When and how can teachers integrate drill and practice programs with their lessons?
Use drill and practice programs for basic skills and knowledge that require rapid or automatic response by
students.
When and how can teachers integrate drill and practice programs with their lessons?
Ensure that drill and practice activities conform to the lesson plan/curriculum.
When and how can teachers integrate drill and practice programs with their lessons?
Limit drill and practice to 20-30 minutes to avoid boredom.
When and how can teachers integrate drill and practice programs with their lessons?
Use drill and practice to assist students with particular weakness in basic skills

The tutorial software should be able to:

Teach new content/information to students
Provide comprehensive information on concepts in addition to practice exercises
Can be effectively used for remediation, reviewing or enrichment
Allow the teacher to introduce follow-up questions to stimulate students learning
Permits group activity for cooperative learning.

SIMULATION PROGRAMS
These are another kind of software that is constructivist in nature. These simulation software: Teaches
strategies and rules applied to real-life problems/situations Asks students to make decision on models or
scenarios.

This simulation software:

Allows students to manipulate elements of a model and get the experience of the effects of their
decisions.
INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES
While relating to low-level learning objectives, instructional computer games add the elements of
competition and challenge.
PROBLEM-SOLVING SOFTWARE
These are more sophisticated than the drill and practice exercises and allow students to learn and
improve on their problem-solving ability. Since problems cannot be solved simply by memorizing facts, the
students have to employ higher thinking skills such as logic, recognition, reflection, and strategy- making.
MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA and ELECTRONIC BOOKS
MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA can store a huge database with texts, images, animation, audio and
video. Students can access any desired information, search its vast contents and even download/print
relevant portions of the data for their composition or presentation.
CONCLUSION
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.