Computer assisted instruction (CAI) is computer based learning activities that have been designed as stand alone learning tools or supplements to traditional, teacher-directed instruction. By this definition, CAI is a part of the broader area of computer based education and computer based instruction, which encompass the use of computers in any part of an educational setting. In today's computerized world, the educational applications of computers are numerous--drill and practice sessions, tutorials, simulations, managing the instructions, supplementary exercises, programming, database development, and word processing, for example.

The use of computers in the educational setting began in the 1970s. Newly acquired microcomputers were used for some instruction, practice sessions, and record keeping. In the next decade, the popularity of computers in the classroom exploded. In the United States, between 1981 and 1990, over 2 million computers were purchased for school use and the number of schools owning computers increased...