Computer Assisted Instruction, or CAI, software refers to instruction via a computer for the purpose of skill development or learning, in this case aiding in the development of maths skills.
Computer Assisted Instruction software typically:
- is interactive and can illustrate different concepts via animation, sound and demonstration. For example, learners are able to hear, see and take action to complete simple arithmetic, demonstrate concepts, solve problems and learn from their mistakes)
- offers immediate feedback by noting incorrect responses to questions and allows user to progress at own pace
- summarises performance
- generates exercises for worksheets and tests at a range of different levels (i.e. from simple counting through to advanced university level mathematical concepts).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
This software may be useful for people with a mild intellectual or specific learning disability, or other forms of cognitive impairment that affect mathematical abilities.
The CAI software can enable individuals to form mental representations of concepts in ways that are meaningful for them and assist them to remember maths facts or procedures. It can also provide support for people who have difficulty with fine motor skills and therefore alleviate the difficulty of writing problems and drawing diagrams.
Individuals who benefit from computer assisted instruction programmes may also find the following programs useful in the workplace, depending on their job roles:
References
Access Centre 2007, Computer-Assisted Instruction and Mathematics, Access Centre, Washington, viewed 8 June 2010, http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/computeraided_math.asp.
LD online 2008, Math, Weta Public Television, Vancouver, viewed 8 June 2010, <http://www.ldonline.org/indepth/math>.
Murray, B, Silver-Pacuilla, H & Innes Helsel, F. 2007, Improving Basic Mathematics Instruction: Promising Technology Resources for Students with Special Needs, Technology in Action, Virgina, viewed 8 June 2010, http://www.cited.org/library/site/039%20TAM-TIA-Feb-07-21.pdf.