The Computer Revolution in Teaching. Accent on Improving College Teaching and Learning, 5.

Research findings on computer use in college courses are reviewed. Faculty who have utilized computers in their courses report that computers increase student engagement, add realism to instruction, promote skill mastery and understanding of basic principles, augment laboratory experiences, and encourage inferential thinking. Five case-study excerpts show how computer use impacts student learning. Faculty report that computer usage requires a heavy, ongoing investment of their time in finding or developing software, training students, adapting curriculum, and modifying lectures or exercises. It is concluded that computer-based learning motivates faculty and students alike, differs from traditional lecture and discussion classes in several ways, requires leadership, and is costly, but has great rewards. Nine further readings are listed. (JDD)