what are the advantages and limitations of computer assisted learning in the classroom?
Answers
Computer Assisted Learning: Advantages and Limitations
Computers have become ubiquitous owing to their versatility.
What is it not that you can't do with a computer? They are the gods of the
modern era! Naturally the field of education has also been influenced
positively by use of computers. Computers Assisted Learning has become quite
popular in the current times. It has
made the learning in classrooms much more convenient, easier, simpler,
colouful, fun-filled, and efficient. Expert teachers teach students using smart
boards and interactive whiteboards. Computers have enabled both students and
teachers’ process learning data many times faster than was possible in a
traditional classroom.
The computers store the teaching and learning data systematically stored which
can be so easily accessed by anyone wanting it. Internet has further
facilitated sharing of knowledge available abundantly on all the subjects. School
websites now provide all the educational information required by parents and
students. Aspiring students can look up the internet for any information and
knowledge they require while studying or doing assignments. Let’s weigh up
advantages and limitations of Computer Assisted Learning.
Advantages
1.Through Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) individualized learning needs of the learners can be taken care of. Learner is free of the limitations of time, space, and other factors. Each learner can learn freely without being affected by the performances of other learners.
2.Computer Assisted Learning facilitates presentation of information in a structured and ordered manner which makes learning easy and interesting.
3. Computer Assisted Learning influences learner’s participation in the learning process. On the other hand books fail to influence this participation.
4. Computer Assisted Learning makes feedback and reporting of learner’s progress readily and timely available. Thus, the learner can work on his/her weaknesses well in time.
5. Computer Assisted Learning uses a wide range of multimedia using audio and visual inputs that help the learner in achieving the knowledge objectives. However, books are limited only to provide textual and graphic information to learners.
6. Computer Assisted Learning also makes drilling quite easy which can be quite useful in improving the learning output of students with low-aptitude.
Limitations
1. Computer Assisted Learning is always liable to be underused. If not implemented and applied properly it may fail to help the learner achieve learning objectives.
2.Though Computer Assisted Learning creates virtual atmosphere while teaching science subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc., students may miss hands on experience which they get in an actual laboratory.
3. Computer Assisted Learning is quite expensive as compared to ordinary learning.
4.Learning Content used in Computer Assisted Learning needs timely and regular upgradation, which again is quite expensive. Delay in upgradation and development of new content might make the old content useless with the passage of time.
5. Computer Assisted Learning requires highly efficient teachers; efficient teachers are exceedingly rare in our country. Inefficient handling of Computer Assisted Learning apparatus and content may further cause many problems.
In conclusion it can be said Computer Assisted Learning is a great power which must be used very wisely and efficiently.