GRE作文常考话题的素材

There is a great deal of interest in the use of computers in education. The educational use of computers is called Computer Assisted Instruction, or CAI. Many public schools in the United States have acquired computers and CAI programs to rum on them. School districts are establishing computer resource centers and special training programs to help teachers use computers. In addition, some colleges and universities are beginning to establish computer literacy requirements for graduation. In spite of all this interest in the use of computers in education, some educators and students still may be wondering if this expensive toy is really worth their time and, in some cases, money. The answer is a definite yes: The use of computers in education has important benefits for both students and teachers.

Computers enhance a student s learning experience in many ways. First of all, the computer has the ability to accommodate individual differences in learning speed because the user is the one who controls the pace of the lessons. In addition, because a computer is nonjudgmental, the learner does not have to be afraid of reprisal or humiliation when making errors. For example, because computers can repeat information over and over, the user can ask for many repetitions of a lesson without fearing a judgmental response about his or her ability to learn. The beneficial effects of learning in a stress-free atmosphere are well documented. A third advantage of CAI is that computer can give a student immediate feedback. It can tell the student why she or he is wrong as soon as an error is made, and it can even provide an approach hint for figuring out the correct answer.