ON-LINE ASSIGNMENT-A STUDY ON PSI, CMI, CAI

ON-LINE ASSIGNMENT

A STUDY ON PSI, CMI, CAI

Sreelekshmi. S

IInd Semester B. Ed.

Option: Physical Science

Introduction

The age of computers is dawning in schools.  It is taking over the world swiftly and surely.  It is quite a jump from traditional teaching reliance on text books to the computer use.  The computer serve a dual purpose.  They expose students to modern technology while inculcating in them a new and scientific approach to learning.  Commonly used terms for the use of computers in education are;

CAI      -           Computer Assisted Instruction

CMI    -           Computer Managed Instruction

CAT     -           Computer Assisted Training

CML    -           Computer Managed Learning

CBT     -           Computer Based Training

Explanation

Personal System of Instruction (PSI) or Keller Plan

The Keller plan, originated by Fred S. Keller in 1965, is a plan of individualized instruction.  Still it retains the merits of collective instruction to a great extent.  It is felt that Keller plan is definitely a better approach to learning than the conventional spoon feeding method of lecturing in the classroom.  The plan is better suited for college level instructions.

Chief Characteristics of PSI

Keller plan is a sequence of three steps cycles of learning process with presentation, response and consequence arranged in such a way as to optimize learning.  The course policy is explain to the students in the beginning and he is given a study guide.  Following flow chart explains various processes involved in the Keller plan.

Advantages of PSI

 v Every student with all his intellectual, psychological, socioeconomic and status, interest and aptitude is consider as a class in himself.

 v Students learn at their own pace rather than at the instructors pace.

 v Maximum use is made of the tested concepts of educational and technological methods via feedback to the instructor and continuous formative tests.

 v It doesn’t require costly sophisticated media of educational technology.

 v Environment of co-operation is built up because of protector guidance.

 v Readiness of the students to learn is properly cared for.

 v Negative reinforcement i.e. punishment is avoided

 v The students learn to learn through self learning.

Disadvantages of PSI

 v Teachers may not have the necessary enthusiasm to try new ideas.

 v Teachers may feel that they are not rewarded for their work.

 v Teachers may find it difficult to write specific behavioural objectives.

 v Teachers may feel satisfied with their existing teaching techniques

 v Mastery of learning is ignored.

 v The subject-matter changes fast.

 v There are large numbers of students in classes.

 v Teachers are bound to lecture for a large number of hours.

 v Adequate test or notes are not readily available.

Using PSI

 v Following points may kept in view while making use of PSI.

 v In the very beginning, students may be explained the efficacy and usefulness of the system.

 v A hand out on the scheme should be prepared and given to each student in the very beginning of the course.

 v Behavioural objectives should be specified.

 v A suitable textbook which satisfies most of the behavioural objectives should be selected and each student asked to posses this book.

 v PSI classroom should be arranged into four functional areas

a)  Guest study                     c)  Test Taking

b)  Tutoring                          d)  Evaluation

 v Some enrichment activities in the form of extension lectures, field trips etc. may be planned.

 v Marking policy, if any should be decided.

Computer Assisted Instruction (CCAI)

Computer Assisted Instruction (CCAI) has a variety of software to facilitate teaching-learning situations. Drill may be stressed. Students need practice to review what has been learned, other wise retention may not last long.  Repetition for the sake of repetition is not recommended software emphasizing drill material should be selected very carefully. Only relevant material should be chosen for drill purposes for the use of learners.

A computer doesn’t tire of presenting drill experiences to learners. Nor does a computer become frustrated and rude. For a smiling face appearing on the screen of the computer can indeed personalize learning.

Use of CAI in New Learning

Each student using computer terminal may experience programmed instruction with programmed learning, a learner may read a few statements to see a demonstration on the screen of the computer.  A student in turn responds to a multiple choice or completion item based on what was comprehended from the sentences read or demonstration experienced. After responding the computer screen may show a smiling face if the response was correct.  If incorrect, the involved student may try again to respond correctly. If the second wrong response was given, the correct answer is provided on the screen. The successful learner in each response given is ready to progress to the next linear item. The student responding incorrectly is also ready for the next sequential item, after seeing the correct response on the screen.  Read, respond and check are the concepts emphasized again and again in sequential programmed items.  New learning, not drill and practice are being emphasized.

Limitations of CAI

 v Speech or writing analysis by computer, in a useful form, seems to be many year away.

 v The computer fails to appreciate the emotions of the students.  The emotional and warmth climate which is created by the teacher in direct classroom interaction with the students is missed by the students in CAI.

 v The peripheral equipment put constraints in the way on which a student can interact with the computer.

 v CAI fails to develop essential features of language competency.

 v Some students get more tired in CAI than conventional study.

 v CAI is a sort of mechanical approach to education.

Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)

According to Bruke (1982) CMI is “The systematic control of instruction by computer.  It is characterized by testing diagnostics learning, prescription and through record keeping” Leih (1982) has given more general education.  According to him “CMI includes all applications of the computer aid to the instructor in instructional management without actually doing the teaching.”

It may be noted that by and large, all these terms cannot the same meaning.  Broadly speaking computer in education are used for the following purposes.

  1.     Instructional purpose.

  2.     Curriculum development.

  3.     Educational administration and management.

  4.     Educational planning.

  5.     Educational documentation.

  6.     Educational test construction.

  7.     Scoring and processing of examination results.

  8.     Educational research.

  9.     Educational surveys.

Conclusion

PSI course is an interesting and rewarding job.  At the same time it is not difficult to use.  It does not require elaborate physical plant.  It utilizes conventional classroom facilities.  It easily adopts to the time provision in traditional courses 3 hours per week and proportionally for semester and trimester courses.  It relies on traditional texts.

The introduction of computers in education is not a quick and easy path to follow.  But to be at part with the developed countries we can hardly afford to ignore its importance in education a more comprehensive plan is needed to be developed to give the practical knowledge of basic skills to operate the equipments, understanding of basic principles and awareness of main applications, ability to design and prepare software etc… to the maximum number of teachers.

Reference

Essentials of Educational Technology:  Teaching Learning Innovations in Education.

—J. C. Aggarwal