Case Studies on Computer Aided Learning
The term "Computer Aided Learning" or CAL comes from qualitative research conducted in the UK during the mid 1970's examening "learning" interactions between different types of learners (adults, school children, military training, etc.) and mainframe computer systems. These instructional systems didn't claim "teaching" was a substantial part of human-computer interactions involved. The instructional designs employed what was at that time called in the U.S. "Computer Assisted Instruction" or CAI. Communication or interaction with human "teachers" simply wasn't a part of the system's designs.
Since the 1970's the instructional uses of computer systems has undergone a rapid and remarkable transformation. In the US, first there was the University of Illinois PLATO system, then there were early "free standing" microcomputers which were eventually connected together into microcomputer "networks." Early network nodess were eventually connected between American military installations and universities, Then the "Internet" evolved and has continued to do so at an increasingly and relentless rate ever since. (See "Migration of CAI Content for Online Delivery" below for annotated details.)
The case studies shared here trace the evolution of computer use in the schools from early use of Apple II e's and TRS 80, Model IV's, up to and through the evolution and rapid decline of "Integrated Learning Systems" deployed via "local area networks" in public and private schools. The lessons learned from these educational studies are as relevant today as they were when these now obsolete microcomputers were considered to be "state of the art.".
Why? Because these educational case-studies are about students, teachers, curriculum, instruction and the educational policies conditioning how technologies do or don't fit in classrooms and schools. Even with the rapid growth of on online teaching and learning, the stories are still about students and teachers interacting in schools and communities.
Case Studies on Computer Aided Learning by
Robert L. Blomeyer, Jr. Ph.D.
