Literature Search, Phase I

The literature in each of the individual areas of Computer Based Instruction (CAI/CBI), and Learning Disabilities (LD's) is large, but literature specifically in the area of effects of LD's on learning arithmetic is sparse.

The most relevant and/or interesting references are cited in the List of References and the summaries below refer to some of them.

Summary of Literature on CAI/CBI

The use of computers for instructional delivery has increased in quantity and improved in quality over the past 20 years.[WO93, HA93] Most schools now have some CAI/CBI element in their curriculum at both primary and secondary levels. Computer Based Instruction has been used extensively in Special Education for Drill and Practice, and somewhat less extensively, but with increasing emphasis, for educational simulations and multimedia presentation of material. Educators generally appreciate the greatest strength of CBI: affordable, prompt computer-pupil interaction and feedback. However, along with this appreciation is the (healthy) fear that Special Ed students may be subjected to more Drill and Practice than is optimum. To date, adaptation of instruction to an individual student's needs has been used, within limits, and found useful. There is widespread interest in extending and improving CBI's adaptive capabilities.

The use of computers for instructional management and student assessment has also improved and increased over time.[FU93, GR94] Though not as widespread as CBI, Computer Managed Instruction and Computer Based Assessment are being used in school settings, and some research indicates that significant educational benefits accrue. Here, too, there appears to be considerable openness, in principle, to new application ideas and improved methods.

Summary of Literature on Learning Disabilities

More information is available in the Glossary of LD and CAI Terms.

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