Jenifer V. Mangahas
One of the best strategies in teaching nowadays is the use of computer – aided instructions to the learners. There are different ways on how to apply these instructions. Teachers must create a positive learning environment for the students to have better performance in academics. For them to improve, teachers must be well equipped with knowledge on how students would be able to apply knowledge they gained through interaction.
Computer – aided instructions have three major elements. These are the drills and practices, tutorials and simulation. First, before instructing students, drills and practices must be applied. Teachers should practice their students on what they have learned in the previous topic so teachers must evaluate whether the students learned or not to prepare for the next chapter of their studies. In the application, after the lesson proper, drills should come next to assess the performance of the students with the use of computer aids. The evaluation for the performance of the students depends on how the teacher motivates their students and how the students apply the said instruction. Everytime students apply knowledge through practice and drills, they connect information on a deeper level. Also, while drills are associated with a regimented style of instruction, they get to have a place to meet their expectations in learning. But sometimes drills are not effective when students are not well prepared, they will not be able to maintain within a pace if they are unclear about a concept. Second, tutorials may go further for the computer – aided instruction. This aims to prepare students in broader learning and understanding different concepts or ideas to improve their achievement. As this aid applies, students can watch the presentations on their computer screens and fast-forward, rewind, and pause the presentation as needed when done with the tutorials. They will do whatever teachers instruct them to fully understand and grasp the topic presented by their teachers. Students retain information better when the instruction is delivered via traditional presentation approach. It is better to have this kind of aid rather than the traditional way of teaching and learning process because they will discover new knowledge that can be applied especially in daily living. But for some, the use of the traditional presentation approach will improve the performance of the students without tutoring them using computer – aided instruction. Last, is the simulation process which is the most powerful educational delivery method because computer – based instructional simulations provide situated, authentic form of practice and feedback about students’ performances according to Husain, 2014. In simulation, students can solve problems realistically. They can simply provide information that can be used to solve problems. Learners learn by actually performing the activities to be learned in a content that is similar to the real world. Students are not only encouraged by simulations but they also learn by communicating with them in a manner similar to the situations that they face and experience in real life. In addition, computer simulation enables students to make decisions without great risks in their lives and somewhat provides better opportunity to meet their needs to foster, grow and develop not only as students but as good citizen of this country.