Computer Assisted Learning

UNIT 12 COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING

Notes
STRUCTURE
12.0 Introduction
12.1 Learning Objectives
12.2 The Computer
12.2.1 What is Computer?
12.2.2 Functional Units
12.2.3 Major Components
12.2.4 Types of Computer
12.2.5 Using the Computer
12.3 Computer as a source of Learning
12.3.1 The Internet and the Web
12.3.2 Internet-based Learning
12.4 Computer Assisted Learning
12.4.1 Modes of Computer Assisted Learning
12.4.2 Planning for Computer Assisted Learning
12.5 Let us Sum up
12.6 Model Answers to Check your Progress
12.7 Suggested Readings and References
12.8 Unit-End Exercises

12.0 INTRODUCTION
Recall what you do while you are teaching in a class. You prepare a plan for the
class, arrange all the materials required to conduct different activities in the class,
engage the students while you are teaching, explaining, demonstrating, asking
questions, answering students’ queries, conducting group activities, evaluating
students’ performance and many other activities related to the classroom teaching.
Teaching-learning is a very complex process demanding a lot of efforts and
responsibilities from the teacher. Therefore, it is not surprising that even the best
teacher, sometimes fails to deliver as per his/her expectations.

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However, the conventional teaching methodology has undergone tremendous

change under the impact of the use of technology and in particular the use of
Notes computers in the teaching-learning process. There is a radical transformation in
the teachers’ roles in the classroom. The learning process especially the classroom
learning is becoming more and more learner-centred where the onus of learning
is more on the student (learner). The role of teacher has now changed from
knowledge transmitter to knowledge mentor and facilitator of learning in the
classroom. All you have to do as a mentor or facilitator of learning is to guide the
student to access the various sources of experiences and information which would
be used by them for learning. In this context, the role of the computer is vital for
accessing and collaborating information from different sources and manipulating
and processing for learning. Therefore, as a teacher, you have to develop the
skills of using a computer in the classroom and acquire the basic knowledge
about computer. In this unit, the fundamental ideas about computer and its basic
operations applied in different modes of computer assisted learning are discussed.
You will need at least 8 study hours for completing this unit and understanding
the concepts embedded in it.

12.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit, you will be able to:
• identify different components of a computer.
• develop the skills to operate the computer.
• recognise the role of computers in the classroom.
• collect and disseminate information using the Internet.
• use different modes of Computer Assisted Learning.

12.2 THE COMPUTER

In today’s world computers are all pervasive…we see them in shops, railway
station, banks and offices. The use computers are different in different places. It
is used for carrying out complicated mathematical and statistical calculations,
preparing bills, and maintaining accounts in offices and shops, booking
reservations in trains and airlines, in medical tests and surgeries, in storing and
transmitting information in all fields of human knowledge. Computers have been
widely preferred in different sectors because of its unique characteristics like
speed, accuracy and efficiency. It has also found a place in education, particularly
in the classroom. As a teacher you need to be fully aware of its functioning and
use it in the classroom for the advantage of your students’ learning.

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12.2.1 What is a Computer?

A Computer is an electronic device that takes raw data as inputs from the user,
Notes
processes these data under the control of a set of instruction (called programme),
gives the result (output) and saves output for future purposes (storage). It can
process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.

Fig- 12.1 Personal Computer

A computer as shown in Fig. 12.1 which performs the following five major
operations or functions irrespective of their size and make.
1) It accepts data or instructions by way of input,
2) It stores data,
3) It can process data as required by the user,
4) It gives results in the form of output, and
5) It controls all operations inside a computer.
Let us discuss each of these operations.
1. Input: This is the process of entering data and programs into the computer
system. You should know that computer is an electronic machine like any
other machine which takes raw data as inputs and performs some processing
giving out processed data. Figure 12.2 depicts the operation of Computer.

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Notes

Figure-12.2 Operation of a Computer

2. Storage: The process of saving data and instructions permanently is known

as storage. Data has to be fed into the system and stored in the system before
the actual processing of those data starts. The data is stored in the storage
unit for processing at a later period as and when required. After the data
are processed, the output can also be stored for future use. Even in between
the processing of data, some intermediary data can also be saved in the
storage unit. This is a unique advantage of the computer not available in
other common machines. This storage unit or the primary storage of the
computer system is designed to do the above functions. It provides space
for storing data and instructions.
3. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical
operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the
computer takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all
sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data
provided. The processed data are then sent back to the storage unit.
4. Output: This is the process of producing results after processing the data
for getting useful information. The output produced by the computer after
processing is also stored inside the computer for further processing before
being given in a readable form.
5. Control: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are
performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all
operations inside the computer

E1. Why computer is known as data processor?

E2. What will be the problems, if storage system will not be there in the
computer?

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12.2.2 Functional Units

In order to carry out the operations mentioned in the previous section, the computer
Notes
allocates the task between its various functional units. The computer system is
divided into three separate units for its operation. They are i) arithmetic logical
unit, ii) control unit, and iii) central processing unit.
i) Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU)
After you enter data through the input device it is stored in the primary
storage unit. The actual processing of the data and instruction are performed
by Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU). The major operations performed by the
ALU are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, logic and comparison.
Data is transferred to ALU from the storage unit when required. After
processing the output is returned back to the storage unit for further
processing or getting stored.
ii) Control Unit (CU)
The next component of computer is the Control Unit, which acts like the
supervisor seeing that things are done in proper fashion. The control unit
determines the sequence in which computer programs and instructions are
executed. Things like processing of programs stored in the main memory,
interpretation of the instructions and issuing of signals for other units of the
computer to execute them. It also acts as a switch board operator when
several users access the computer simultaneously. Thus, it coordinates the
activities of computer’s peripheral equipment as they perform the input and
output. It is the manager of all operations mentioned in the previous section.
iii) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The ALU and the CU of a computer system are jointly known as the central
processing unit. You may call CPU as the brain of any computer system that
takes all major decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs different
parts of the computer functions by activating and controlling the operations.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets and executes
instructions.
E3. Choose the correct answer:
(i) The task of performing arithmetic and logical operations is called
(A) ALU, (B) CPU, (C) PC, (D) Processing
(ii) The ALU and CU is jointly known as
(A) RAM, (B) ROM, (C) CPU, (D) none of the above
(iii) The process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information is called
(A) Output, (B) Input, (C) Processing (D). storage

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12.2.3 Major Components of The Computer

Notes All the components of the computer can be categorised into two broad groups
i.e. hardware and software.

A hard ware component of the computer refers to the internal and the peripheral
devices that we can touch i.e. all physical parts of the computer. Software on the
other hand refers to the set of computer programs, procedures that describe how
they are to be used. That means soft wares are set of programs which gives
“intelligence” to the computer.

The hardware are the parts of computer itself including the Central Processing
Unit (CPU) and related microchips and micro-circuit, keyboard, monitor, mouse,
drives (floppy, CD, DVD, and Optical). Other extra parts called peripheral
components or devices include printers, modems, digital cameras and cards
(sound, colour, and video) etc. The components of a computer can be in four
categories:

(i) Input devices (ii) CPU (iii) Storage devices and (iv) Output devices.

1. Input Devices: A computer is only useful when it is able to communicate

with the external environment. When you work with the computer you feed
your data and instructions through some devices to the computer. These
devices are called Input devices. The major input devices are Mouse and
Key Board. Input devices are necessary to convert our information or data
in to a form which can be understood by the computer. A good input device
should provide timely, accurate and useful data to the main memory of the
computer for processing. The most useful input devices are the following.

- Keyboard: - This is the standard input device attached to all computers.

The layout of keyboard is just like the traditional typewriter. It also
contains some extra command keys and function keys. It contains a
total of 101 to 104 keys. A typical keyboard used in a computer is shown
in Fig. 12.3. You have to press correct combination of keys to input
data. The computer can recognize the electrical signals corresponding
to the correct key combination and processing is done accordingly.

- Mouse: Mouse is an input device shown in Fig. 12.3 that is used with
your personal computer. It rolls on a small ball and has two or three
buttons on the top. When you roll the mouse across a flat surface the
screen censors the mouse in the direction of mouse movement. The
cursor moves very fast with a mouse giving you more freedom to work
in any direction.

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Notes

Fig 12.3 Key Board and Mouse

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The main unit inside the computer is the
Central Processing Unit (CPU). This unit is responsible for all events inside
the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic
and logic operations. Figure 12.4 shows the CPU device.

Fig.12.4 CPU Devices

3. Storage Devices: The CPU contains the basic instructions needed to operate
the computer, but it does not have the capability to store the programmes or
large sets of data permanently. Just like the human brain the computer has
an in-built memory where it can store large amount of data which helps in
processing arithmetic and logical operations and also holds programmes
and the data being manipulated. This area is called memory or storage. Data
can be also stored in secondary storage devices such as pen drives, which
can be kept outside your computer and can be carried to other computers.
Computer has two sets of memory, which are primary memory like RAM
(Random Access Memory/Read-Write Memory), ROM (Read-only-memory)
and secondary memory like Hard Disk (Local Disk), Optical Disks: CD-R,
CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, Pen drive, Zip drive and Memory Cards.

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E4. State the names of the components of the computer as shown in the figure
below against the numbers indicated.
Notes

12.2.4 Types of Computer

You might have seen computers used in bank, railway station, and library and in
other places. The memory, size and efficiency of these computers are different
from each other. Computers can be classified on the basis of its working principles,
size and brand. Different categories of computers which can be used in the
classroom learning process are as follows.
a) Microcomputer: Microcomputer is at the lowest end of the computer range
in terms of speed and storage capacity. Its CPU is a microprocessor. The
first microcomputers were built of 8-bit microprocessor chips. The most
common application of personal computers (PC) is in this category. The PC
supports a number of input and output devices. An improvement of 8-bit
chip is 16-bit and 32-bit chips. Examples of microcomputer are IBM PC,
PC-AT.
b) Mini Computer: This is designed to support more than one user at a time. It
possesses large storage capacity and operates at a higher speed. The mini
computer is used in multi-user system in which various users can work at
the same time. This type of computer is generally used for processing large
volume of data in an organisation. They are also used as servers in Local
Area Networks (LAN).
c) Main frames: These types of computers are generally larger in terms of
memory than the mini computers. They operate at very high speed, have
very large storage capacity and can handle the work load of many users.
They are generally used in centralised databases in big organisations like
banking, insurance, defence and other such sectors.
d) Supercomputer: They are the fastest and most expensive machines. They
have high processing speed compared to other computers. They have also

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multiprocessing technique. One of the ways in which supercomputers are

built is by interconnecting hundreds of microprocessors. Supercomputers
are mainly being used for weather forecasting, biomedical research, remote Notes
sensing, aircraft design and other areas of science and technology.

E5. The computer that you often see being used by others or you use for your
own work comes under which type of category?
E6. In classroom learning which type of computer you need to use?

ACTIVITY-1

Find a computer and observe the different parts. Identify the keys on the key
board and try to operate the system with the help of a computer knowing
person.

12.2.5 Using the Computer

You have to work with the computer to use it properly. In order to use a computer
you need to do the following by sitting with a computer :
• Starting the computer:
1. Switch ON the Power Supply,
2. Switch ON the CPU and,
3. To Switch ON the Screen (Monitor).
• Shutting down (Turning off) the Computer
Before shutting down the Computer, close all programmes you are working
as shown on the screen (monitor) at first. Then,
1. Click on Start button.
2. Click on Shutdown (Turn off Computer).
Then, on the monitor screen you find the following options (As shown in the
pictures below):
- Standby
- Shutdown (Turn Off)
- Restart

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Notes

Note: The options will be different from one system to another.

3. Choose 2nd option (i.e. Shutdown/Turn Off).
4. Click on OK.
Then, wait until the message “It’s now safe to turn off your Computer”.
5. Then, Switch Off the screen.
6. Switch Off the CPU.
7. At last, Switch Off the power supply.
• Working with Microsoft Word: There are several ways you can create new
documents, open existing documents and save documents in word.
- Create a New Document
There are three different ways you can create a new document.
 Click the new document button on the menu bar
 Choose File/New from the menu bar
 Press Ctrl+N
- Open an Existing Document
Similarly there are three different ways you can open an existing document
 Click the open file button on the menu bar
 Choose File/Open from the menu bar
 Press CTRL+O on the key board
- Renaming Document
To rename the word document while using the programme,
 Select file/open and find the file you want to rename.
 Right-click on the document name with the mouse and select “Rename”
from the shortcut menu.

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 Type the new name for the file and

 Press the Enter key.
- Save a Document Notes
Three different ways you can save your file.
 Click the save button on the menu bar
 Select file/save from the menu bar
 Press Ctrl+S on the key board.
- Close a Document
In order to close the current document, you have to select file/close or click the
close icon if it is visible on the standard toolbar.
- Working with Power Point Presentation(PPT)
In the classroom, you are familiar with the use of different charts, graphs, models
and different instruments for making your classroom interesting and reducing
learning difficulties among the learners. Now teaching through Power point
presentation is taking an important role in the classroom and you must have
basic ideas to develop power point slides and how to use it in the classroom.
a) Starting the Microsoft Power point
In order to use the Microsoft power point, first you have to click Start option in
your computer than click Microsoft office. Here you will get different options
like word, excel, power point etc. You have to just click in the power point
option. If power point is already open or the box does not appear, than you have
to select File/New from the menu bar.
b) Working with slides:
- Insert a new slide
- In the outline window, select the slide you want the new slide to appear
after by clicking the slide’s number.
- Select the Insert/New slide from the menu bar or click the new slide
button on the standard toolbar.
Choose the page layout from the window and press OK.
Applying a Design Template

ACTIVITY-2

Now use a computer to

(a) Prepare a word file and save it in your name.
(b) Rename three different word file with three different names.

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To add a design template or changing the existing one, select Format/Design

template from the menu bar. Select the template and click Apply.
Notes
12.3 COMPUTERS AS A SOURCE OF LEARNING
You collect information on contents/concepts from different sources like text-
books, reference materials, newspapers, television etc. You are mostly familiar
with text-books, reference books and other print materials. In today’s world you
can get huge information from the World Wide Web (www) using the Internet.
Let us understand about the Internet and the Web and how we can use them as
sources of learning in the classroom.

12.3.1 The Internet and the Web

We generally consider the Internet and the World Wide Web (www) to be the
same. They are closely related to each other and not exactly the same. There are
differences.
 The internet is a decentralized global network of computers.
 The web is a collection of documents that you can access using the internet
and web searching software. The web comprises of the vast content available
over the internet.
Web sites reside on computers called Internet servers. When you are connected
to the Internet, your web browser software can communicate with the Internet
servers, ask them to send your computer a copy of the web page that you wanted
to see. The Uniform Resource Locator (URL) you type or the hyperlink you
click tells your computer which server to try to contact and which page you are
asking for.

12.3.2 Internet based learning

Internet technology has made a great contribution to learning process in the
classroom. You can use the Internet in your classroom mainly for three different
purposes like:
 The internet as a technology of information;
 The internet as a technology of interaction;
 The internet as a technology of sociability.
The Internet as a technology of information allows you to bring large stock of
data, references in any form (text, graphics, sound and visual). When you talk
about internet as a technology of information, it has different purposes of use in
learning like:

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- Using the internet as an accessible library within which students browse

different information more freely before or after the class;
- Using the internet to publish new kind of textbooks for students. Notes

- Using the internet as the classroom with electronic white board and
asynchronous discussion.
Suppose you are going to teach about global warming in your class. You can
suggest different websites to your students related to global warming like
www.nrdc.org, www.globalchange.com, etc. before or during the class for better
interaction. Here the Internet is used for the purpose of collection of information
during learning.
The Internet serves as a good medium of interaction and sociability among the
students and the teacher. Web 2.0 technologies like wiki, Blog, Face book etc. is
used for the purpose of learning. Here the Internet helps in collaboration,
maintaining standards, decentralisation, and openness and evolving content for
learning. Again consider teaching the topic on global warming. Your students
can collect different aspect of global warming from the Internet and share it
through web 2.0 technology. Here the Internet is used as collection of information
as well as for disseminating the knowledge between the students.
Accessing Information from Internet: You can find a piece of information easily
from the Internet if you know the address of the web-site exactly. If you have no
idea about the web site, you can still find the information/materials by opening
the web page and typing www.google.co.in on the menu bar. Then you will find
a rectangular space below the Google page. In this space you just type in the key
word about the information and click enter on the key board. You will find different
related topics in the page. You just need to double click on the topic in order to
see the entire topic. Again if you want to save the file for using it on later, you
just go to file/save as/ name the file/type where you want save/save. Now your
file has been saved and you can retrieve later without connecting to the net.

ACTIVITY- 3

Collect the information on the topic like fraction from the Internet, save it in
your computer and send this file to your friends.

12.4 COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING

The use of Teaching Learning Materials (TLMs) in the classroom not only helps
in teaching but also to create interest and curiosity among the students to learn in
the classroom. This has been discussed in Unit 6 in the Block 2 of this course.
The use of a computer in teaching learning for accessing information and for

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making collaboration in the classroom has now taken an important role and is
commonly known as Computer Assisted Learning (CAL). The purpose of CAL
Notes is to enrich the quality of learning. In this section let understand how a computer
can be used in the classroom and the methods of Computer Assisted Learning
(CAL) programme that you can use in your teaching learning process.

12.4.1 Modes of Computer Assisted Learning

According to the need and context of the classroom you can use computer in
different modes. In the teacher centred classroom, instruction is structured and
the learning is frame based. In this mode instructional material or programme is
presented to the student frame by frame in a relatively fixed sequence without
any remedial exercise. But with the developments in the computer technology
you can present your teaching in the classroom in a number of flexible ways for
meaningful learning to take place. The different modes of CAL programmes are
as follows.
- Drill and Practice Session: This is the question-answer type program where
the computer generates large numbers of exercises, evaluates responses,
gives immediate feedback as to the correctness of the responses and
sometimes hints on how to obtain the correct answers if the responses are
incorrect. An example of a drill and practice program is, suppose you are
going to teach the atomic number of elements and give an exercise to
students for solving it. The atomic number is selected at random from a list
by the program. If the student enters the correct element, the atomic number
is removed from the list and another atomic number is presented by the
computer. Atomic numbers which are not correctly identified does not get
removed from the list so that eventually the student reprocesses the atomic
numbers requiring the most practice. Properly written drill and practice
programs help students commit to memory facts, rules and principles without
which a deeper study of a subject is difficult.
- Tutorial Mode: In this type of program, information and explanatory material
is presented in small segments followed by questions. If the students respond
incorrectly, feedback according to the nature of their mistake is given. If the
answer is correct, another segment of the explanatory material is generated.
On the basis of responses made by the students, the program decides how
rapidly material should be generated and how much should be covered. In
this mode, computer is used to simulate the most visible part of your activity-
to transmit knowledge and check whether the knowledge has been correctly
transmitted. Generally this mode can be used successfully to teach subjects
that have a checklist structure (e.g. solving linear equation, simplex method
to solve equation etc.).
- Data Analysis: This type of CAL allows experimental data to be analysed
and the result is printed out either in numerical or graphical form. A more

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realistic approach to the study of certain topics is made possible with the
appropriate program using either a built in set of data or, preferably, data
collected and entered by the student. With one or more microcomputers in Notes
the laboratory, students can analyse and interpret their experimental data.
Suppose in your class, you want to teach topics like central tendency,
measures of variability, coefficient of correlation or graphical representation
of frequency distribution the computer can be used for analysis, interpretation
and representation of different data.
- Simulation: Computerised simulations are models or imitations of processes.
Simulations present life-like situations that allow students to learn through
experience and to take risks without suffering the consequences of poor
choices. The students can study the effect of changing various aspects by
observing the outcome of each case so as to develop an appreciation and the
scope and limitation of a system. One simulation programme can be thought
of as the water supply system in a city. The different aspects of the system
which includes collection and storing of water in a large scale; putting the
water mass under treatment through the process of sedimentation,
colorination, filtration etc.; transporting water mass through distribution pipes
till it reaches for human use. The whole process can be put forth in a
systemised way through the computer programming in a dynamic way
through simulation to have better conceptual clarity. Simulation programs
are suitable for mathematics, social science and science where complicated
and difficult topics, experiments etc. which are too costly or dangerous or
too time consuming to investigate or difficult to replicate the real system in
classroom situation.
- Modelling: Modelling involves creating, adapting or choosing a theoretical
model to correspond with a natural phenomenon or a manmade system.
This type of program is encountered more often at the higher levels of
education. An example of this type of program involves finding the
relationship between different aspects to form a functional unified whole.
For producing a working model through the process of simulations students
are able to gain some insight into the concept of modelling and some training
in inductive thinking. An example of model in a simulated condition can be
cited for better understanding:
Simulation in general is to pretend that one deals with a real thing while
really working with an imitation. In operations research the imitation is a
computer model of the simulated reality. A flight simulator on a PC is also a
computer model of some aspects of the flight: it shows on the screen the
controls and what the “pilot” (the youngster who operates it) is supposed to
see from the “cockpit” (his armchair).
Why to use models? To fly a simulator is safer and cheaper than the real

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airplane. For precisely this reason, models are used in industry commerce
and military: it is very costly, dangerous and often impossible to make
Notes experiments with real systems. Provided that models are adequate
descriptions of reality (they are valid), experimenting with them can save
money, suffering and even time.
- Information Storage and Retrieval: Information in various forms can be
readily stored and retrieved with a computer. With a large data bank, the
computer holds great potential for providing a rich information environment
(data base) which can be accessed easily compared to books or microfiche.
Information stored in the computer can be easily updated, expanded and
enlarged upon. This type of CAL program allows students to study topics
which require access to large data bases which cannot be easily handled
manually. However, this type of program, which is not widely used in schools
at the moment, may be commonplace later on. In education, we are inundated
with information especially at the higher levels. Teachers may need to teach
their students to interrogate an information retrieval system efficiently in
the future.

E7. Match learning points from column A with the appropriate CAL modes from
column B:
A B
1. Intensity of Earth quake a. Drill and Practice
2. Forming groups according to b. Simulation
socio-economic Status
3. Problems on Fraction c. Modelling
4. Information about Parts of body d. Data Analysis
e. Data Storage

12.4.2 Planning for Computer Assisted Learning

Even if you have basic knowledge on computer and computer assisted learning,
without planning you cannot successfully use the computer assisted learning.
Let us consider the following different aspects that you need to take care, when
you are going to use a computer in the classroom.
- Stating the objectives: In this step, you just state the objectives of the course/
topic/lesson i.e. the concepts that you are going to teach. As you know when
you select a particular mode of computer assisted learning, you must know
the nature of the content and whether available computer facilities are suitable
for the purpose or not.

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- Identifying the space and availability of computer: Before you use computer
in the classroom, you have to consider the number of students in your
classroom and the no of computers available. Accordingly the size of the Notes
classroom and the availability of computer, helps to plan for the sitting
arrangement. The possible sitting arrangement can be done as shown in Fig
12.5.

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SITTING ARRANGEMENT OF COMPUTER ASSISTED

LEARNING
Notes
- Selecting the modes of computer assisted learning: Based on the nature of
the content, availability of tools of computer and the size of the classroom,
you have to select a particular mode of computer assisted learning which
will be suitable for facilitating learning.
- Strategies for Implementation: When you are going to implement a particular
mode of computer assisted learning, you have to plan the strategies like-
lecture strategy, collaborative strategy and self- regulatory strategy. In the
lecture strategy the teacher uses the computer to present his/her teaching
and there is no scope of students to use the computer. Here one computer
can manage the class. In case of collaborative strategy, a group (4to5) of
students are assigned to use one computer and teacher guides all the groups.
In self-regulatory strategy, each one of the students use single computer
including the teacher. Generally the self- regulatory strategy is better in the
computer lab rather than inside the classroom.

12.5 LET US SUM UP

• Computer is an electronic device that takes raw data as inputs from the user,
processes these data under a selected programme yielding the desired output
which can be stored for future purposes.
• The computer system is divided into three separate units for its operation.
They are:
(i) arithmetic logical unit, ( ii) control unit, and (iii) central processing unit
• All the components of the computer can be categorised into two broad groups
i.e. hardware and software. A hard ware component of the computer refers
to the internal and the peripheral devices whereas the software gives the
intelligence to the computer.
• The computer can be classified on the basis of its working principles, size
and brand. These are micro, mini, mainframe and the super computer.
• The Internet can be used in different purposes in the classroom like collecting
information, interaction and for the social networking.
• Computer Assisted Learning ( CAL) are used in different modes like- Drill
and practice session, Tutorial, Data Analysis, Simulation, Modelling and
the Information storage and retrieval.
• A proper planning is necessary for the computer assisted learning in the
classroom.

92 Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed)

 Computer Assisted Learning

12.6 MODEL ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR

PROGRESS Notes
E1. Computer is called as data processor because it is mainly used for processing
data for producing meaningful information
E2. If storage system will not be there in computer, than you cannot save the
data for the further uses
E3. (i) A, (ii) C, (iii) A
E4. 1.RAM; 2- CPU, 3- CD disc; 4- floppy disc; 5- Monitor; 6- Key Board;
and 7- mouse
E5. Microcomputer
E6. Microcomputer

E7. 1. b; 2. d; 3. a; 4. c

12.7 SUGGESTED READINGS AND REFERENCES

1. Criswell, E.L. (1989). The design of computer based instruction. New York:
Macmillan Publishing Company.
2. Dean, C. and Whitlock, Q. (1988). A handbook of computer based
technology. London: Kogan Page.
3. UNESCO (2002). UNESCO report: Information and communication
technology in teacher education: A curriculum for schools and programme
of teacher development. Paris: Division of Higher Education, UNESCO.

12.8 UNIT-END EXERCISES

1. Select a small unit from your subject. Try to develop different modes for
CAL and discuss it with your friends.
2. Create a word file lesson plan from one of the topic and save the file in your
topic name.
3. List out the input devices of the computer
4. What are the advantages of the Computer assisted learning in the classroom.

Block-3 Emerging Issues in Classroom Learning 93