The literature in general views three educational uses for computers in education. CAI can be drill and practice, tutorials, or in a more sophisticated form, intelligent tutoring systems. Historically CAI has been used in two main areas, large well funded simulations used by military and industry, and smaller commercial products developed by small companies and individuals. The third use of computers in education is learning with computing. Computers are used for the preparation and presentation of knowledge by the student.
Software is a tool to be used by the student.
As one can see, the use of computers as mindtools has implications for the design of a multimedia curricula. Students should be taught suites of software that will be used as tools so they can create their own knowledge structures. Notice the shift in roles, student control, active engagement, and creativity should be all conscious aspects of the curricula. The following are Nelson and Palumbos explanations of the three areas. The emphasis is on tours to assure viewing of critical information.