How does the use of computers differ from traditional methods of learning?
A computer is just a tool for instruction. Its how you design the computer based learning environment that makes it effective. Remember I spoke about my own work describing computers as cognitive tools. If you use learning theories to guide the design of your environment then you will have better outcomes with the computer environment. Remember that I linked the success of Sherlock and BioWorld to the fact that these environments provided condensed practice of real-world skills with appropriate forms of feedback. The most effective form of learning is one-to-one tutoring (Bloom, 1984). In fact one-on-one tutoring results in learning gains that are 2 standard deviations above the norm. Whereas human tutors are ideal computer tutors have the advantage of being provided to more learners in a more efficient manner. The advantage of computer tutors is that computers can observe the student learning through student actions and adapt the amount and type of assistance to the individual’s needs
