Review article 29
Wang, Pien & Pui San Chan. 1995. Adavantages, disadvantages, facilitators, and
inhibitors of computer-aided instruction in Singapore’s secondary schools. Computers
and Education, 25 (3), 151-162.
This study investigated two important issues: first, what the teachers perceived to be the
major advantages and disadvantages of implementing computer-aided instruction (CAI).
Second, what they perceived to be the major facilitators and inhibitors of CAI
implementation. The study collected responses from 117 secondary school teachers. Results
showed that immediate feedback to students and provision of alternative teaching techniques
are the major advantages of CAI, whereas isolation from human interaction and large capital
investment are the major disadvantages. The results further highlighted that support from the
Ministry of Education, availability of teacher’s time and resources, as well as provision of
administrative support facilitate CAI implementation. However, lack of time, too few
computers, and skills in education technology were considered to inhibit CAI
implementation.
Keywords: Computer aided instruction; Secondary education; Singapore.