What is computer-assisted learning (CAL)?

16 July 2024

What is computer-assisted learning?

Computer-assisted learning (CAL) or computer-based learning refers to the use of computer technology and solutions in educational processes. Also, the role of computers goes beyond storing and disseminating information and serves to elevate instructional procedures.

Apart from automating many administrative tasks, it functions as a key tool to adapt lessons according to the student’s level. Furthermore, institutes can simplify specific course or programme modules, making them easily accessible to all learners.

Besides, CAL is central to tech-enabled learning, which institutes adopt and implement accordingly to foster digital literacy. At the same time, it is the teacher’s responsibility to nurture positive attitudes and habits towards tech use.

Therefore, it helps individuals identify and monitor one’s overindulgence or misuse of technology. Hence, they learn to use tech solutions to amplify their knowledge for self-growth and academic improvement.

How does computer-assisted learning work?

The goal of computer-assisted learning is to enhance the instructional and learning methods; therefore, the use of various tech tools is essential. Here’s how CAL works:

1. Technology Integration

A key advantage of CAL is that faculty and teachers can integrate computer solutions and software to improve the overall learning process. For example, adopting a learning management system enables teachers to collect, store, and track students’s academic records. Simultaneously, it enables them to execute the following functions:

• Teachers can identify students’s current academic condition.
• They can ascertain whether learners are progressing or not.
• Develop assessments according to the learning levels and requirements of the students.
• Create lesson plans.
• LMS stores learning materials in a centralised location, allowing students to access them anytime from anywhere.
• Teachers can use the tool to conduct several online polls and quizzes, which helps to increase learners’ engagement.

2. Interactive Content

Textbooks have been an important source of knowledge for the longest time, but relying solely on them might not always be a good learning habit. Besides, it has a limited scope, wherein it provides foundational knowledge and may or may not cover all aspects of a topic.

Also, textual resources are not the only way to obtain information, especially when learners can use multimedia like videos, images, etc. Moreover, podcasts, interviews, and documentaries are important mediums for helping students learn the different nuances of complex topics.

Also, different kinds of learners can find appropriate multimedia content with which they can relate easily.

3. Self-Paced Learning

The pressure to keep up with the rest of the class can be overwhelming, especially when one has to live up to expectations. Fortunately, student-centric learning is the core element of the education system; therefore, individual improvement is an important outcome.

CAL promotes and strengthens self-paced learning by allowing students to master a skill or concept in their own time. There is no rush or intense inter-class competition to prove who’s the smartest in the class.

On the contrary, the focus is on the difference between a student’s previous and present performance. As a result, it allows them to observe their particular shortcomings and work on them by collaborating with teachers.

4. Tutorial Systems

What if a student needs to solve a math equation but cannot call his teacher to ask for help? Is there a way to seek assistance during assignments? Addressing such questions is vital because students might not be able to get the teacher’s assistance all the time.

The solution lies in tutorial systems, which help students get accurate details on a variety of topics 24/7. For instance, a learner looking to make a science project can get a step-by-step explanation through the tutorial systems.

Nevertheless, it is vital to look for reputable sources to avoid inaccurate information that can lead to unintentional errors and misinterpretations.

5. Simulations and virtual labs

Moving beyond passive learning methods and encouraging students to take an active interest in their learning activities is a necessity. That is where simulations and virtual labs come in, allowing teachers to explain complex phenomena easily.

For instance, they can use dissection simulations to explore the internal anatomy of frogs or practice separating DNA molecules for analysis. Likewise, teachers can use microscope simulations to virtually examine cells, tissues, and microorganisms at different magnifications.

Hence, simulations and virtual labs are great ways to engage students in practical experiments, helping them to get a deep understanding. Also, it is a cost-effective method, eliminating the need for expensive equipment, chemicals, and lab maintenance.

6. Online Collaboration

Face-to-face communication, or the conventional mode of communication, will always be important for interpersonal interaction. However, virtual communication can be instrumental in enhancing asynchronous collaboration.

Moreover, online or hybrid learning has become a part of the education system; therefore, leveraging CAL to promote social learning activities. Teachers can use the learning management system to create discussion forums, allowing learners to post questions.

Likewise, they can share their ideas and exchange opinions on ongoing real-world issues. Also, a virtual whiteboard is an important tool that students can use for group projects, mind maps, diagrams, etc.

7. Effective Assessments

Pen and paper tests are the traditional examinations that institutes conduct periodically, twice or three times a year. On the other hand, when it comes to formative tests, executing them on a regular basis can be quite exhausting.

Thankfully, computer-assisted learning helps teachers develop automated tests with the help of built-in templates. As a result, they can conduct impromptu quizzes, multiple-choice questions, matching-type questions, etc.

Additionally, they can also deliver standardized exams; the auto-grading feature enables teachers to evaluate answers effectively. In effect, it reduces the workload on teachers, and they can spend time on more important duties.

A few CAL features offer advanced analytics, which allows teachers to obtain insights into a student’s performance. They can identify their strengths and weaknesses and provide appropriate mitigation strategies to help them accordingly.

8. Feedback Mechanism

‘’I don’t know what I am doing’’, ‘’I don’t understand how I get this wrong every time”, “where did I go wrong again?" Such statements usually resonate with most students when they are unable to struggle in specific areas of learning.

Teachers can use communication tools to send feedback, highlighting specific areas that need improvement. Also, providing additional remarks is a great way to help them get insights into academic work.

Simultaneously, CAL provides various types of feedback, including textual, audio, and visual, that allow learners to get a better analysis of their performance.

Advantages of Computer-Assisted Learning

For Students

• Increased engagement and motivation

Diverse mediums for gaining information and engaging with content encourage students to actively participate in the learning activities.

• Self-Paced Learning

Students can learn at their own pace without worrying about not being able to keep up with the rest of the class.

• Improved knowledge retention

As opposed to rote memorization, CAL provides experiential learning, which helps students retain knowledge for a long time.

For Educators

• Personalize Instruction

CAL provides the tools and platform to reduce administrative tasks and tailor lessons and assignments to students’ unique requirements.

• Conduct formative assessments.

Teachers can conduct formative assessments as a part of regular classroom sessions, helping to gauge students’ ongoing progress.

• Track continuous progress.

Teachers can track students’ overall progress, including academic, critical thinking, socio-emotional skills, etc.