The Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted-Instruction in the Acquisition of Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities for Adult Learners: A Meta-Analysis

Computer-Assisted-Instruction (CAI) in the adult education setting continues to attract the attention of educators examining the effects of CAI compared to traditional methods of instruction. In this study a meta-analysis was performed to synthesize existing research concerning the effects of CAI on learning outcomes for an adult population. Sixty-three studies were located, between the years of 1985 and 1996, and coded for study effects. The overall analysis showed that CAI was significantly more effective than traditional instruction (r = .119). However, moderator analysis suggested that the increased learning gains of CAI could be attributed to poor design quality. Based on this analysis, the effectiveness of CAI after controlling for design quality is -0.045. Further, the duration of training was examined as a moderator variable. Reliable conclusions on this variable could not be reached because of the lack of design quality