THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPUTER ASSITED INSTRUCTION IN THE ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDENTS IN SOCIAL STUDIES

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is an "automated instructional technique in which

computer is used to present an instructional program to the learner through an interactive process".

Computer programs are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound,

and demonstration. They allow students to progress at their own pace and work individually or

problem solve in a group. Computers provide immediate feedback, letting students know whether

their answer is correct or not. If the answer is not correct, the program shows students how to

correctly answer the question. Computers offer different type of activities and a change of pace from

teacher-centered to student-centered activity. Computer-assisted instructions improve instruction for

students and capture the students' attention because the programs are interactive and engage the

students' spirit of competitiveness to increase their scores. They do not move ahead until they have

mastered the skill. Programs are provided in different lessons to challenge students who are slow

learners, average, or gifted. Basically, CAI is a program of instructional material presented by means

of a computer system that serves as a medium of instruction to the students who team through his

direct interaction, (Aduwa, 1997).

According to Nwoji (2003), teachers prefer to use the conventional methods instead of the

modern information, communication and technology approach like the computer assisted Instructional

method in teaching social studies as recommended by Federal Ministry of Education (2007). Martin

(2000) suggested that teachers should be encouraged to use a variety of instructional resources, like

audio tapes, video tapes, radios, films, projectors, computers among others to teach their subjects of

which social studies subject is one.

Many teaching methods have been used in the past for teaching Social Studies and these

approaches include; lecture method, demonstration method, questioning techniques, discussion

methods which are expository in nature. Expository methods, according to Nwokenna (2010), consist

of the presentation of concepts, facts and principles by the teacher while the students are merely
asked to listen and take notes. These facts and principles are drawn from text books based on the

stipulated contents and cognitive levels within the unit of instruction. The foregoing presents a picture

of the use of poor teaching methods during social studies instruction which according to Nwokenna

(2010), may not improve the performance of students in their academic pursuit. The above scenario

tends to suggest that the conventional teaching methods used have accounted for the persistent poor

academic performance in social studies by the students. It then means that more efforts should be

intensified in developing new teaching methods which may improve the students’ academic

performance in social studies teaching and learning process.

One of the recommended teaching approaches by the Federal Ministry of Education (2007), is

the Computer Assisted Instruction; a part of ICT. Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) refers to the

use of computer as a tool in teaching and training. It includes drill and practice, tutorials, simulations,

instructional management, supplementary exercises, data base management, word processing and

other types of computer applications. According to Okundaye (2005), the term may also refer to the

stand-alone computer learning activities in the computer lesson with reinforced materials introduced

and taught by teachers. The students receive feedback from the computer and maintain some degree

of control. CAI as a supplement to conventional teacher-directed instruction produces achievement

effects superior to those obtained with the traditional approach alone (Akudolu, 1998). Examples of

CAI applications include guided drill practice exercise, computer visualization of complex objects, and

computer facilitated communication between students and teachers. The guided drill is a computer

programme that poses questions to students, returning feedback and selects additional questions

based on the student’s responses. Recent guided drill system incorporates the principles of education

in addition to subject matter knowledge into computer programme. Some of the CAI tools (such as

word processors, spreadsheets and data base) connect, organize, analyze and transmit information.

They also facilitate communication among students and instructor, and beyond the classroom to

distant students, instructors and experts.

 Computer Assisted Instruction is the use of computer and component electronics in providing

learning experiences and self directed instructions to a learner using tutorial and simulation packages,

with little or no assistance from an instructor. In developed countries, the use of computer as a

teaching tool has reached an advanced stage (Akundeye, 2005). Generally, Computer Assisted

Instruction (CAI) allows: Students to progress at their own speed of learning as Computer Assisted

Instruction offers learners-controlled instructions; provide prompt feedback to learners, allow for

adaptability of instructions (presentations, mode and instructional content mode) using authority

systems; provide lessons with more than one purpose; random access facilities and provide facilities

for revision and updating, (Akundeye, 2005 P. 13).

Therefore, this study was specifically carried out to determine academic performance of

students in Social Studies in Pangasinan State University, using computer assisted instruction as a

supplementary together with conventional teaching methods.