Teaching and Learning with Computers. An IAT Technical Primer

Abstract

This article, by the IBM (International Business Machines) program manager for the Institute for Academic Technology (IAT), is premised on the idea that the use of computers can help address many of the issues facing undergraduate education today. Computers in the classroom can enrich both teaching and learning. The IBM personal computer and the associated Advanced Academic System for faculty allow educators to put together video, still images, text, voice, music, and graphics for classroom presentations. Computer technology allows college faculty to keep pace with the individual needs of students and prepare them for real-world jobs. Positive changes in teaching are made possible through computers, which can benefit nearly every aspect of faculty work. Examples are given of computer assisted instruction, computer assisted testing, and computer managed instruction. The many benefits make the instructor's time spent in learning computer use well worth it, particularly since one need not be a computer wizard to use the technology. The rapid evolution of innovative educational technology provides educators with the tools they need to stimulate and assist today's learner. (SLD)