In cases where no suitable CAI exists, this may be your only option to provide your students with instructional courseware. Each methodology has its own particular strengths and are discussed briefly below. The learner is engaged in direct and continual two-way communication with the computer, i.e., an active participant. A tutorial is ideal for presenting new material, allowing students to progress at their own pace, and reviewing previously learned subjects. Regardless of the type of design, tutorials should include embedded questions and remediation loops to ensure learners master material before moving on to more difficult concepts.
Many tutorials permit students to learn at an individualized rate.
When you choose to incorporate a tutorial into your lesson, make sure that it matches your objectives, goals, and content. Review of tutorials prior to using them in class will ensure that they meet your needs. Tutorials are often combined with other types of computer assisted instruction such as drills. When used in conjunction with other computer assisted instruction, usually a tutorial, drills are not intended to teach new material. Drills are designed to give students the opportunity to practice what they've already learned.