Software+in+Classrooms

**What Is Computer-Assisted Instruction?**
“Computer-assisted instruction” (CAI) refers to instruction or remediation presented on a computer. Many educational computer programs are available online and from computer stores and textbook companies. They enhance teacher instruction in several ways. Computer programs are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound, and demonstration. The program allows students to work in their own pace and work individually or in groups. Computers provide immediate feedback, letting students know whether their answer is correct. If the answer is not correct, the program shows students how to correctly answer the question. Computers offer a different type of activity and a change of pace from teacher-led or group instruction. Computer-assisted instruction improves instruction for students with disabilities because students receive immediate feedback and do not continue to practice the wrong skills. Many computer programs can move through instruction at the student’s swiftness and keep track of the student’s errors and progress. Computers capture the students’ attention because the programs are interactive and engage the students’ spirit of competitiveness to increase their scores. Also, computer-assisted instruction moves at the students’ speed and usually does not move ahead until they have mastered the skill. Programs provide different types of lessons to challenge students who are at risk, average, or gifted. Teachers should keep up with the program and understand the context review the computer program or the online activity or game to understand the context of the lessons and determine which ones fit the needs of their students and how they may enhance instruction. Computers may be used individually or in groups in a cooperative learning environment where students can discuss the concept as it is learned. Teachers should also review all Web sites and links immediately before directing students to them. Web addresses and links frequently change and become inactive. Students might become frustrated when links are no longer available. Students may be scheduled for instructional or remedial time with the computer. The computer program may also be a learning station in a classroom learning center or a reward for positive behavior or work completion. Software’s Acid base disorders**—**** computer-aided ** ** learning ** ** software ** on CD-ROM consists of two clinical cases illustrating the use of acid-base analysis in clinical decision making. In an active form of ** learning **, the student must make choices to confirm diagnoses and make management decisions. Tutoring and "consultation" with an expert are available throughout the entire process. Incorrect diagnoses are critiqued, and the user is directed to the "library" for additional study. Multiple-choice questions are presented throughout each scenario, and a record of student performance is displayed. Each case consists of five parts: brief history, clinical assessment, chemical assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and resolution–summary. Following the case, the student is presented with several brief cases and questions. A set of essay questions are part of this final stage. This ** learning ** package is most appropriate for residents or advanced medical students and should be used as a supplement to basic, didactic instruction. It is also an excellent review for the established practitioner. It is unlikely that any user will answer all the questions correctly, as they represent a broad and detailed investigation of salicylate toxicity and Wilson disease. Differential diagnosis is emphasized throughout the scenarios. Incorrect diagnoses are explored only if the student chooses one of them. News item http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Rural-schools-get-computeraided-tools-from-IT-dept/305151/ **__Instructional tools and media__;** are basically just software’s that helps you to do things such as creating web pages, draw models in the graphics design software. For media it can be youtube or itunes or I movies etc. They help us in many ways. It can allow teachers to show movies and experiment that have been done and video tape on the internet.
 * How Is CAI Implemented? **
 * Can this program supplement the lesson, give basic skills practice, or be used as an educational reward for students?
 * Is the material presented so that students will remain interested yet not lose valuable instruction time trying to figure out how to operate the program? Does the program waste time with too much animation?
 * Is the program at the correct level for the class or the individual student?