Computer-managed instruction (CMI) aids the instructor in instructional
management without actually doing the teaching. Central CMI themes discussed in
the literature are individualization, behavioral objectives, and educational
technology. The main objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of two
teaching strategies: CMI versus the traditional lecture method. The learning
objectives were based on specified theoretical content from a Health Assessment
course for baccalaureate nursing students. The design of the study was
quasi-experimental incorporating two experimental treatments applied to two
groups on two occasions. Data analysis addresses differences between groups
using CMI and the traditional lecture method.
Benefits and Limitations of CMI
With the flexibility of CMI systems, the instructor can choose
appropriate objectives and activities in the curriculum based on a specific
student’s needs. If it is conducive to the subject, the student can also decide
in which order to meet the objectives. The sequence of modules is flexible. The
student can also study and progress at his or her own pace as the CMI system is
basically instructor-free.
The limitation of this type of system is the need for a central
computer system that would allow the instructor to identify and control the
student’s activities in different locations at different times. With the
expansion of cable modems and DSL, this limitation is steadily becoming a
non-issue, except in remote areas. The purpose of CMI is to diagnose student
learning needs and prescribe instructional activities appropriate for the needs
assessed. This assessment can come from tests on different levels of
instruction which show where the student is lacking. The instructor can then
choose appropriate objectives, modules, lessons, and courses in the curriculum
for the student to study The student has the option of proving mastery of the
objectives through module tests that can be taken immediately, or after
completing the instructional activities. The student is also involved in
deciding which modules to pursue in which order. The pace at which to complete
the modules is up to the student since the activities are mostly
instructor-free. An example of a possible CMI system design is the Plato
Learning Management System (PLM) . Each
student will have a slightly different design as it is geared toward the
individual.