Project on the Effect of Computer Aided Instruction

7/30/2019 Project on the Effect of Computer Aided Instruction

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ABSTRACT

This study aims at investigating the effect of computer-assisted instruction. The

sample of the study consisted of 60 students randomly selected from schools and

assigned to experimental and control groups. Data were collected within an eight-

week period via a pre-posttest design for equivalent groups. The findings of the

study indicated that using computer-assisted English language instruction

alongside the traditional method has a positive effect on the experimental group

students achievement. Feasibility study was carried out through inspection of

document and records which has been used. The problems of the existing way of

learning were discovered. It was also noted that the new system that has the

facilities, capable of delivering expert knowledge without delaying time.

The following tools were used in order to achieve the designed objectives of the

system like system flowchart, program flowchart and new design software. The

research work is aimed at turning the manual process of learning computer

assisted one.

It is generally hoped that when all the aspect of this project are dully taken into

consideration and came out, there will be a great change in the process of

learning.


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CHAPTER ONE

A self-learning technique, usually offline/online, involving interaction of the

student with programmed instructional materials. Computer-assisted instruction

(CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby a computer is used to

present the instructional material and monitor the learning that takes place.

CAI uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the

learning process. The computer has many purposes in the classroom, and it can

be utilized to help a student in all areas of the curriculum.

CAI refers to the use of the computer as a tool to facilitate and improve

instruction. CAI programs use tutorials, drill and practice, simulation, and problem

solving approaches to present topics, and they test the student's understanding.

Since the invention of programming languages, life has continued to be easier for

people since there are programmers to use it in solving little problems. Not to

compare to the previous technology whereby people suffer a lot just to get what

they want. Innovation knows seems to appear at a rate that increases

tremendously. These innovations have significantly improved science and

technology development from one generation to another, as advancement in

every sphere cannot be overemphasized.


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The standard of learning has increased greatly compare to the past when people

go from one place trying to learn and this has made the system analyst and

programmers to think vastly on how people can easily acquire knowledge in the

area of their choice with the aid of computer. As the worsened situation of

acquiring knowledge exacerbated and people still find it very difficult to learn

what they want, they now seek for problem solving system and which is more

user-friendly to help them learn.

The project has embarked on the effect of computer aided instruction. A

computer program that applies artificial intelligent methods to the task of

problem solving by using detailed knowledge and attempting to simulate the

reasoning process of an expert, as the name implies it involves the use of

programs written in any programming language (high level) in problem-solving.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDYComputer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an approach to teaching and learning

where the computer and computer-based resources such as the Internet are used

to present, reinforce and assess material to be learned. It usually includes a

substantial interactive element. It also includes the search for and the

investigation of applications in language teaching and learning. Except for self-


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study software, CAI is meant to supplement face-to-face instruction and not

replace it. In recent years, CAI researchers have investigated the advantages of

using computers as teaching/ learning tools in improving different skills. Many

studies indicate that CAI provides an innovative and effective alternative for

instructors (Warshauer and Healey, 1998). In addition, many studies indicate that

there has been an increase in emphasis on computer technology and its

integration at all level of education (Stepp-Greany, 2002). Furthermore, computer

would allow learners to progress at their own pace and work individually to solve

problems, provides immediate feedback, allows learners to know whether their

answers are correct or not, and provides them with the correct answers if their

answers are not correct.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMFrom the data collected which was processed to become information, it was

discovered that the old system of learning was by class teachings, distance

learning, PC projected teachings, recoded teachings conversation etc. which has a

lot of human inherent errors. These old system exhibited high ineffectiveness and

efficiency as regards to the quality of information it gives out.

This old system is posed with a lot of confrontation of how to improve the

accuracy, quality, timely of information given out at a particular time.


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At this point, it is necessary to integrate computer in the teaching-learning

process. As a result, the need arises to study the effect of using computers aided

instruction. The researchers intend to investigate the effect of Computer-Assisted

Instruction alongside the traditional method learning. Some of the problems

faced by the old way of learning were:

1. Untimely service delivery2. Inaccurate information (wrong information)3. Tedious way of imputing the knowledge4. Clients queue to be saved5. Boring since it has no animations6. Human inherent errors.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF STUDYThe present study attempts to investigate whether using computers in teaching

alongside the traditional method is significantly different from teaching without

the aid of computers. The purpose is to compare using Computer-Assisted

Instruction alongside the traditional method with using the traditional method

alone and decide which is more suitable for the students under investigation.


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Considering the present situation of the old system, this project is aimed at

improving the accuracy, quality and timeless of service delivery in learning by

achieving the following:

1) Eliminating quackery in the field of by providing expert solutions toproblems.

2) Bringing up to standard of learning in by giving computer based informationand reduced human inherent errors.

3) Providing easy understanding of problems/faults.4) Providing easy understanding of through animated tutorials (computer

application)

5) To maintain international standards in, computer applications are requiredfor conformity sake.

1.4 SCOPE OF STUDYThis research work is focused on designing a computer application that can take

the place of professional in even without a professional and making the existing

system professionals more proficient in learning. This

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYAs Computer-Assisted Instruction is going to be applied in the Faculty of


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learning, this study will be one of the first of its kind in the computer field.

Almost all of the reviewed studies were conducted on learners of the native

w a y . Therefore, it is hoped that it will help those who are involved in the

educational process ingaining insights into the computer-assisted Instruction

experience and seek to improve it over time. Moreover, it may encourage

furtherresearch in this field, which may, in turn, enrich the area ofComputer-

Assisted Instruction in general.

1.6 LIMITATIONSThis research work was denied access some certain webpages that required the

use of credit cards which as a student I could not afford. During this study I

encountered some restrictions, I could not access some hardcopy documents

and there were also financial constraint.

1.7 DEFFINITION OF TERMSCOMPUTER-AIDED INSTRUCTION (CAI): diverse and rapidly expanding spectrum

of computer technologies that assist the teaching and learning process.

SYSTEM: a combination of related elements organized into a complex whole.


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INTERNET: refers to a network that links computer networks all over the world by

satellite and telephone, communicating users with service networks such as e-

mail and the World Wide Web.

SOFTWARE: refers to a computer programs and applications such as word

processing or database packages that can be run on a particular computer system.

COMPUTERIZED: to install or start using a computer system to organize, control,

or automatic something such as a mechani CAI process or CAIculations.

PROFESSIONAL: a person showing a high degree of skill or competence in doing

something.

EXPERT: somebody with great deal of knowledge about, or skill, training or

experience in a particular field or activity.


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CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

The review of the literature on the effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction

revealed that most of the studies in this field were conducted in the Western

countries where English is the first language, whereas very few studies were

conducted in countries where English is the second or foreign language. The

researchers reviewed some of the most related studies to the topic of this study.

Fletcher and Atkinson (1972) carried out one of the earliest studies in which the

students of the experimental group received eight to ten minutes of computer-

assisted language instruction per day for five months; the remainder of the day

was the same for all students. The findings of the study revealed that the

performance of most students who received computer-assisted instruction was

better than the performance of those who did not.

Cook (1985) determined whether there were significant differences between the

growth of writing performance of seventh grade students who received

computer-assisted writing instruction and those who did not. He found that the

students who received computer-assisted writing showed better performance in

writing than those who did not.


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Orndorff (1987) implemented a course at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania,

which combined the teaching of reading skills with computer aids that provided

different kinds of support. He employed two computer programs focusing on

critical reading and thinking. The first one was designed to teach students how to

analyze a work of literary genre and structure and to be used with a book. The

second one allowed teachers to create tutorials which featured different types of

question and answer formats, an on-line dictionary, screen manipulations. These

two programs also included different activities such as summary writing and short

essay questions. The findings showed that because of such programs, the

students levels of achievement and retention increased.

Arroyo (1992) studied the effect of using computers on reading achievement of

seventh grade students. The findings showed a statistically significant increase in

reading achievement of the subjects who used computers. Moreover, Arroyo

stated that, in addition to the improvement in reading scores, the use of

computer appeared to The effect of computer-assisted instruction on Saudi

University students learning of English AbuSeileek (2004) investigated the effect

of a computerbased program on Jordanianfirst secondary grade students writing

ability in English. The study revealed that there were statistically significant

differences between the mean scores on the writing task of the experimental


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group who received instruction via computer and the control group who received

instruction via the traditional method in favor of the experimental group.

Avent and Joseph Harmon (1994) investigated the language learning achievement

differences between students using computer-assisted language learning

courseware and students using the traditional language laboratory. The findings

of the study revealed that the mean scores were significantly higher for computer

taught items than for non-computer taught ones.

Chen (1996) studied the differences between male and female Taiwanese

students using the same software and receiving the same type of feedback in a

Business English class. The findings showed that computer application improved

the students writing ability in punctuation, grammar and spelling.

Pigg (1996) investigated the effect of the computer-assisted language instruction

program Paragraph Builder on fifth grade students topic sentence identification.

The results of the posttest showed that the program significantly increased the

mean score of the posttest. The results also showed that the students who

worked with computer enjoyed learning about topic sentences by using the

program.


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Cantos-Gomez (1997) carried out a study to investigate the use of computer-

assisted language learning activities in English and their effect on the students

motivations to learn. She found that the students in the experimental group, who

used computer, showed more motivations to learn English than those in the

control group.

Machado (1997) investigated the effect of computer-based technology on the

language acquisition rates of sixth, seventh and eighth grade second language

students in writing and speaking. The study revealed that the experimental group

showed a faster rate of second language acquisition than that of the control

group students.

Blankenship (1999) compared between computer-assisted instruction and the

lecture-based instruction of college-level composition courses. Thefindings of the

study showed that the performance of the students who received computer-

assisted instruction was better than those who did not.

Tozcu (1998) investigated the impact of teaching sight vocabulary with computer-

frequent word recognition and reading comprehension. He found that the

experimental group presented significantly greater gains than the control group.


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that the application of Automatic Speech Recognition was helpful for college

freshmen in teaching of speech acts, namely for the nonEnglish major students. It

was also found that most learners perceived positively toward the instruction

supported with speech recognition.

It is argued that user actions need to be monitored to understand what has

happened during the learning process. Monitoring on its own is not enough; user

actions also need to be controlled so that users can receive the guidance they

need to help them to the successful completion of the learning tasks in CALL

programs. Ma (2007) conducted one such study to investigate both learning

outcome and learning of two versions of a computer-assisted vocabulary learning

program for Chinese learners. The results of the study showed that both the

learning outcome and the learning process were more satisfactory in the

controlled condition than the uncontrolled condition.

Al-Menei (2008) studied the effect of computer-assisted writing on Saudi

students writing skill in English. The findings of the study showed that computer-

assisted writing has a significant effect on Saudi students writing ability in two

areas: paragraph writing and correcting grammar.


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3.1 What is SSADM?

Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM) is a systems approach

to the analysis and design of information systems. SSADM was produced for a UK

government office concerned with the use of technology in government, from

1980 onwards. The names "Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method" and

"SSADM" are now Registered Trade Marks of the Office of Government

Commerce (OGC)

THE METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

In the collection of information about, the methods below were used:

INTERVIEW: this method has much to recommend, in that fact canbe gathered directly from the person or person who has experience of the

system under investigation. It is usually the most helpful techniques for

establishing and verifying information and provides an opportunity to overcome

possible resistance to change.

EXAMINATION OF RECORD AND PROCEDURE: if existing procedureare already well documented, then the procedure manual can provide an

already made source of information on the way procedure should be carried


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out. The examination of current records and tracing of particular transaction can

be a useful method of discovering what procedures are carried out.

EVALUATION OF FORMS: forms and document were collected andevaluated during the study. The forms studied are mostly those that are concern

with the maintenance of the computer, which rect the details of insured

particular. The document includes maintenance manual.

SEARCH ENGINES: the researches were carried out using so manysearch engines like the Google, ask, Wikipedia, and MSN.

3.2 FEASIBILITY STUDYThis study was carried out as it facilitate an in-depth knowledge to what brought

about the design solution proffered and implemented in solving those problems

discovered to hinder the proposed system from achieving a directed thinking. This

has made the research to be able to systematically design a computer application

for easy diagnosis, repair and maintenance. The feasibility study is seen to be

effectively carried out through a careful analysis of the system under study and

the problem facing the system and then ensuring that feasible and plausible

solution(s) are analytically proffered.


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3.3 SYSTEM ANLYSISThis chapter helps us to have a better understanding of the operation and

interactions which has existed in the system. It is a step further in learning from

the previous developmental efforts and generates an improved plan,

organization, control and putting the information gathered into practice, by so

doing defines the necessity of modifying the existing system or rather develop a

brand new system from the scratch. In this regards, having a full knowledge of the

principle of operation of the system becomes an advantage.

Analysis generally refers to systematic examination of the native or cause of

something. The aim of the system analysis is to do an in depth study/research of

the existing system to determine the weakness and strength of the system hence

decide whether to do away with the system or to retain it.

System analysis in its business sense is concerned with the study and analysis of

the data requirement within these clients of particular interest. Also it is a

disciplined process, which begins with the establishment of user requirement for

e given application and conclusion with the implementation of a fully operated

system, amend with facts, the system analyst proceeds to the system analysis

plea and analyze the present system by asking such questions.


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1. Why does the problem exist?2. Why were certain methods of work adopted?3. Are there alternative method?4. What are the growth rates of data?

3.4 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMBefore now, learning has been through:

1. Recording VCDs2. Video tapes3. Cinema etc.4. Black board5. White boards6. Lectures and seminars

With the above, the human inherent errors are inevitable; the system is not user-

friendly.

3.5 HOW THE SYSTEM WORKSWith the current system, people simply go to market and buy a recorded lecture

on to either on video VCDs and paly them on all time in order to get acquainted


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with the solutions provided is the recorded lectures. The recorded lecturers are

not user-friendly and as such cannot solve a very difficult problem that requires

the attention of an expert in learning. The recorded tutorial is not vast in the topic

in question.

3.6 INPUT FORMATInput here involves inserting the VCD tape as the case may be into the reading

machine and waits for the Disk to be read be the machine, the video begins to

play while the learner practice with an integrated development environment.

The video may be fast forwarded to get the next topic quicker or fast back

warded to get a previous topic. The input here is only the disk.

3.7 OUTPUT FORMAT

This is the series of lectures the learner receives from the video he/she has

washed.

3.8 PROBLEM OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMSome of the problems inherent in the manual system of learning include:

i. Non-user friendliness of the recorded tutorials on hence cant solve verydifficult problems.


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CHAPTER FOUR

SYSTEM DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION

4.0 INTRODUCTION OF SYSTEM DESIGNHaving seen the much associated with the current system, the researcher

therefore deemed it fit for a new system to be designed and implemented. This

system will hopefully address the problems of the existing system by providing

help and solution to the problem of its users.

At this point, it is pertinent to note the meaning of system design with regard to

learning using computer application. The system design is the task of employing

the powers of computer technology to create a learning environment.

If the user had gone to an extent in the subject, he/she can start at the point

where he can understand. It is not a must that the system will output the same

instruction; it all depends on the choice of the user.

AIMS OF SYSTEM DESIGN

To design system that will be cost effective Development of a system that meet users requirement To design system that provides flexibility.

4.1 STAGES OF DESIGN PROCESS


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These stages involved in the design of the new system:

I. Determination of the nature of the systemII. Determination of the input and output requirement

III. Design and specification of the proposed system including files, programsand data control procedures.

IV. Design of computer forms.With the new system designed for learning, a computer office or none could be

needed for effective learning through computer aided instruction. Computer

room will serve as lecture room, learning of is going to be some entries of the

computer in order to specify which area to learn and access the entire facilities

provided by the software.

4.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW SYSTEM

The new system is a computer application that acts as; consultant to a non-expert

client seeking direct advice, instructor to a novice or students who want to learn,

partner to an computer application builder who wants to improve or increase

knowledge base and also a colleague to an expert.

The system work as these: a non-expert who encounters error message or failure

message from the debugger would easily and conveniently consult the computer


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application for the right recommendation. A novice or a student who wants to

learn, do not have to go looking for an expert and spending much money, but

would simply visit the software or web page where the computer application was

hosted. The computer application software and upon availability of the hardware

and other software requirements, teaches him/her to become an expert.

Expert would also acquire some new or other knowledge and integrate it with

that of existing computer application, in order to increase or expand the

knowledge base. Also experts who may have forgotten the diagnosis to a

particular fault could simple refer to computer application and continue. In all,

there must be an intention for the system to work and the maximally utilized and

user must sit by the computer terminal and type in the problem description.

4.2 DESIGN OF THE NEW SYSTEMThe design of the computer application involves the construction of the

knowledge base which was facilitated by both the hardware and software

requirement acquisition needed to build the system. The major participant in

this activities are the domain expert, the knowledge engineer and system

programmer as there is the need to program from scratch. A rule base


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knowledge representation method was used in representing the way through

which inference can be made on encoded knowledge base.

The development activity includes an inference engine, an explanation facility

and interfaces. For the design to be complete and properly develop, a proper

blend and manipulation of both input and processing specification which

producing the required output specification was ensured.

4.3 OUTPUT SPECIFICATION AND DESIGNIt is necessary to consider what is required from the system before deciding how

to go about producing it. These requirements will have to become clear as the

project progress. The output design of the system includes picture of the being

discussed, illustration of what is being discussed and the write up of what is being

discussed.

4.4 INPUT SPECIFICATION AND DESIGNThe format through which the learners key in data is known as input

specification. All the necessary options of interest must be selected in order to get

the desired output.

4.5 SYSTEM FLOW CHART


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SOFTWARE REQUIREMENT

Fundamentally the only way of talking to a computer is through developed

programs. Such programs are lengthy and comprehensible to non-programmer.

The recommended software (operating system) requirements are windows and

an application packages designed for computer assisted learning. Internet

connection is also needed.

4.7 HARDWARE REQUIRMENTHardware means the physical components of a computer system. The facilities

needed by the computer for design and implementation a new system. The

following are the hardware requirements:

Monitor (SVGA) Keyboard (Enhance key) Mouse (optical) Pentium M processor Hard disk capability of not less than 80 GB Ram capacity of at 512MB UPS (uninterrupted power supply)


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Printer Flash drive (removal storage)

4.8 SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATIONThe implementation process begins after the computer has accepted the new

system. And before then every proposed computer application should be subject

to a preliminary study to set if it is feasible before the user approvals is given. The

implementation consists of installation of the new system and the removal of the

existing system. This is achieved by the actual purchase of the right equipment,

staff training, writing and testing of computer programs routines or packages as

may be needed or as specified in the design, creation of files and changeover to

the new system.

4.9 TEST RUNNINGBefore a system is made fully operational, it should be thoroughly tested. This is

because a program may be running without any form of syntax errors yet not

producing the desired result. So it is essential that user test the system with real

data. Once the reliability of the system has been tested, the user should run it


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with the historical data. The computerized result can now be checked for accuracy

and consistency against the known manual results.

4.10 TRIANING PLANThe education and training the user of a system is vital if it is to be operated

correctly and the full benefits are to be obtained. The management should

provide training and personal development program for everyone connected

with the computer system, so that they will be aware of its functions and be

confident in its use.

4.11 HANDOVER PLANFor a smooth changeover from the existing system to the new system, the

parallel changeover is considered. This is because the parallel changeover involve

concurrent running of the old and new systems in which the result of each are

compared with the other for accuracy and consistency. In this case the old system

is not abandoned until the user has complete confidence in the reliability and

accuracy of the new one.

4.12 SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION


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This process involved documentation of the program in case, if there is need to

make their structure and operation understandable and to serve as a basis for

further program maintenance, which include program specification and design.

Also, it outlines the techniques and methods utilized to correct problem areas in

the existing system, as they are described in the statement of problem. It

illustrates both the technicality and economically how a new system would

improve some of the objectives and goals of the establishment. It describes how

the file and forms designed to run on window-based computer. The user finds it

easy to utilize its resources each menu gives a list of pull menus, which give a list

of pull down menus, which enables the user to perform tasks, is indicated aptly by

the submenu in which it identifies.

1.17.1 NEED FOR DOCUMENTATION1. It is used for the user as a tool in checking the state of the new system.2. It helps in providing a communication link which is very vital in users of the

new system.

3. It is used to check how much cost-effective of the new system.


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CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0 SUMMARYThis project work dealt intensively on the effects of computer aided instruction. It

clearly stated the design, aims, and objective and also the basis for which this

project work was interestingly, taken up.

Included the very vital part of the research activities undertaking by the

researcher in this project work are: critical review of various literatures by various

authors and researchers in the field of computer applications and, analysis of the

existing system in which involves interviewing people that attend the tutorials to

know the difficulties they experience and designing of the new system expected

to solve the problems of the existing system, following specifications and using

requirements. Also worth nothing at the activities of this project work is the very

important aspect of designing which is testing and debugging.

Since it is necessary for learning techniques to be known as a prerequisite to its

designing and development, this project work discussed in detail the various

techniques and the mistakes developers make and the solutions to them.


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Finally, the software development for this system (the new system) incorporates

the guide and a directional guide on how to navigate the web page. A user

manual accompanied software.

5.1 RECOMMENDATION

This system is meant for all kinds of computers and devices. It can also run on a

browser. The new system contributed to the existing one, has a lot of significant

advantages if employed. Therefore it is recommended:

i. For the sake of its knowledge during learningii. For reference sake.

iii. For the sake of knowledge expansion or further research.5.2 CONCLUSION

Computer aided instruction has a positive effect on learning. This project work

chosen by the researcher after taking into consideration, the many difficulties

which learners and novice in the field go through. The researcher therefore

deemed it fit to limit these difficulties by helping them to at least tackle faults

through this project work. A lot of computer application software has been

developed in various fields and even in the area of web programming, But further


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narrowing the scope of research of computer was intended to capture the

interest of persons, student etc. who may be scared and resistant or discouraged

to explore the effects of computer aided instruction, due to complexity therefore

this project work has to its credit, the ability of captivating computer users

interests, and then act as a foundation class to more and more advancement on

solution to every aspect of learning.

This kind of learning could be used by any kind of user. Since it has a wide range

of topics for which it could be applied. This system provides its users with a lot of

benefits, the best of which is the user can go to the remotest part of the country

where no even an expert could be found.

Finally, the computer aided instruction allows for expansion and update, so this

could create room for this project to slowly creep into areas of urgently needed

attention and of high interest as this one study herein and so on.


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Orndorff, J., 1987. Using computers and original texts to teach critical reading and

thinking. (Paper presented at the meeting of the conference on Critical

Thinking). (ERIC Document reproduction Service No. 283137) [Online].

Available at: .

Pigg, Matthew John, 1996. Teaching writing subskills: A study of the effectiveness

of the computer assisted instruction program paragraph Builder.

Dissertation Abstract Intrnational,35,403.

Romeo, Kenneth, 2008. A web-based listening methodology for studying relative

clause acquisition. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 21, 1, 51-66.

Available at: .

Stepp-Greany, J., 2002. Students Perceptions on language learning in a

technological environment: Implications for the new millennium. Language

Learning and Technology 6 (1), 165180.

Tozcu, Anjel., 1998. The effect of teaching sight vocabulary with computer-

assisted instruction on vocabulary gain, decrease in recreation time for

frequent word recognition, and reading comprehension. Dissertation

Abstracts International 59, 1144.


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Warshauer, M., Healey, D., 1998. Computer and language learning.

Documents

Project on the Effect of Computer Aided Instruction