Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)

Meaning; CAI refers to the use of computers to deliver educational content and instruction. It supports teaching and learning through interactive lessons, simulations, tutorials, and practice exercises.

• First Major Use → 1960s with the PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations) system at the University of Illinois.
• Global Adoption → Widely used in schools, universities, corporate training, and extension education.
• 🇮🇳 India Example → IGNOU and ICAR use CAI-based modules for distance learning in agriculture.
• Effectiveness → Studies show CAI can improve learning speed by 25–30% compared to traditional methods.
• Future → AI-powered CAI (adaptive learning systems like BYJU’s, Coursera, and Khan Academy).

Types of CAI

1. Tutorials → Step-by-step teaching of a concept (like a virtual teacher).
2. Drill and Practice → Repeated practice of problems (e.g., math exercises).
3. Simulations → Real-life situations reproduced in a computer environment (e.g., crop growth models).
4. Games → Learning through educational games that make study engaging.
5. Problem-Solving Programs → Students apply logic and reasoning to solve problems.

Uses of CAI

• Personalized Learning → Learners move at their own pace.
• Interactive Learning → Encourages student participation.
• Immediate Feedback → Students know instantly whether their answers are correct.
• Distance Education → Widely used in online and blended learning.
• Skill Development → Enhances problem-solving, analytical, and logical thinking.
• Agricultural Extension → Used for farmer training modules (e.g., soil testing software, pest diagnosis tools).

Touch Screens

Meaning; A touch screen is an input/output device that allows the user to interact directly with a computer or device by touching the display screen using a finger, stylus, or special pen.

Types of Touch Screen Technologies

1. Resistive Touch Screen → Works by pressure; affordable but less sensitive.
2. Capacitive Touch Screen → Uses electrical signals; highly responsive (used in smartphones).
3. Infrared Touch Screen → Uses light beams; durable and highly accurate.
4. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) → Uses sound waves; highly sensitive but expensive.

Facts about Touch Screens

• First touch screen → Developed by A. Johnson in 1965 (UK).
• Widely used in ATMs, smartphones, POS machines, education kiosks, and agriculture extension services.
• By 2025, almost 90% of mobile devices worldwide will use capacitive touchscreens.

Micro-Computers

Meaning

• A micro-computer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).
• They are designed for individual use and are commonly known as personal computers (PCs).

Types of Micro-Computers

1. Desktop Computers → Fixed location, powerful, widely used in offices, labs, and universities.
2. Laptop / Notebook Computers → Portable, battery-operated, used by students, researchers, and extension workers.
3. Tablet Computers → Lightweight with touch screen interface.
4. Smartphones → Advanced micro-computers used for internet, apps, ICT in agriculture.
5. Accessing e-portals like Kisan Suvidha, m-Kisan, and AgriMarket.

Facts about Micro-Computers

• The first micro-computer (Altair 8800) was released in 1975 by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS).
• IBM introduced its first Personal Computer (IBM PC) in 1981, making micro-computers popular worldwide.
• Today’s smartphones are more powerful than the Apollo 11 computer that landed humans on the moon in 1969.