Computer Assisted Learning: A Blessing or A Curse?

What ‘Computer Assisted Learning’ actually is? How does it work? If we observe, in today’s world, we all are constantly battling with technology. Technology has enhanced the way teachers teach as well as the way students learn. However, it can also become a distraction that takes away from the learning process. If you are a teacher, you very well know how difficult it is to get students off their phones or laptops and make them attentive towards the lesson. All you can see is their heads while they are posting pictures on social media and texting their friends. Well, there is one way to convert the technology distracting the students into a classroom environment and use it to help them learn.

Think About It:

Would you not learn more from actually watching a movie for your lesson than you would from just reading about it?

Overview of Computer Assisted Learning

These days, most of the children as well as adults spend a lot of their time on mobiles, laptops, and tablets both at home as well as at their schools or workplace. So, it is no surprise that the computers are being incorporated into the classroom.

CAL, that is, Computer Assisted Learning, has completely enhanced and modernized the way that the students learn. CAL can make lessons much more engaging as well as interactive and can pique the interest of most of the students.

But this does not mean that CAl is flawless. The CAL that makes lessons interactive is the same CAL responsible for isolating students. It also distracts them from the lessons they are attending.

But before you decide whether CAL is a blessing or a curse, let us look at exactly what CAL is and what are the pros and cons of CAL in the learning process.

What is Computer Assisted Learning?

Computer Assisted Learning or CAL encompasses a lot of different technologies. But we can simply define it as ‘the use of electronic devices like computers and mobiles to provide educational instructions and learning’. 

Do You Know?

This might shock you but CAL has been taking place in classrooms since the 1960s!

Computer Assisted Learning does not just involve computers but it also includes other electronic devices such as CDs, DVDs, smartphones, MP3 player, TVs, tablets, etc. These means can be used to illustrate a concept better or to heighten the engagement among the students. Computed Assisted Learning also includes other materials such as online courses, homeschooling, and distance learning. In short, any technology that can be used to learn comes under the concept of Computed Assisted Learning.

Another great thing about CAL is that whether it is kindergarten art class or medical school class, it can be implemented in any type of classroom. Also, it can help students to take their lessons from home. This gives students more personalized experience as well as in-depth understanding of the knowledge being transmitted.

Pros of Computer Assisted Learning

There is a wide range of reasons to use CAL. Here are some of them which can empower the students.

Personalized Experience

CAL enables students to learn whatever they want and at their own pace. They can learn and grow in their own time. Computer based learning adapts to the individual based on their progress., not on any set standard. This enables each and every student to have a more personalized experience.

Promotes Active Interaction 

CAL allows you to learn and grow with an active interaction with your tutor. Computers can facilitate live teaching interaction between the students and the teachers or also among the students themselves.

Keep a Track on Progress

It allows students to easily see the progress they are making. Every time a student completes a lesson or solves a puzzle, they feel as if they are doing well. This keeps them engaged in their lessons.

Breaks Complex Concepts into Smaller Pieces

Sometimes, it becomes difficult for teachers to break down a complex concept because they don’t know the best way to do it. Computer lessons and puzzles do this for you. CAL enables us to break down material into small concepts so that students can learn and adapt it more easily.

Interesting and Engaging

CAL plays a vital role to keep students involved and makes learning interactive. It is perfect for this purpose because it offers various ways for every student to engage and stay interested in a specific topic.

Cons of Computer Assisted Learning

CAL seems flawless but it does have a few downsides. Let us see some of the disadvantages of using CAL.

Cost

Cost is one of the biggest barriers to using CAL. Software, computers and other electronic devices are expensive. Also, having a computer for each student is not a realistic goal. 

Implementation

Whenever an electronic device gets involved in something, it becomes a difficult task, at least in the beginning. Teachers need to learn how to use the technology. We have all had that teacher who wastes a lot of time just because they do not know how to use a computer or how to set up the projector.

Does Not Always Fit In

It becomes complicated to find the exact information or videos that fits the needs. There might be times when you don’t find exact study material for a test. Teachers need to find a way to effectively integrate CAL in their lessons.

Students Isolate

While personalized learning is a good strategy, the isolation it can lead to is not a good thing. Socializing is an important aspect. We learn a lot of new things when we interact with each other. Students need other students to learn and grow, and CAL can inhibit this.

Apart from all these disadvantages, CAL can be an incredible resource. It can transform the ways students learn.

Let’s Sum Up All Together

So, in the end, it is up to you whether Computer Assisted Learning is a blessing or a curse. As long as you evaluate the advantages and the disadvantages fairly, CAL can be a great way to utilize technology and enhance the learning experience.