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Encyclopedia of Education and Information Technologies pp 1–8Cite as

Computer-Assisted Learning

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Synonyms

Computer-assisted instruction; Computer-aided instruction; Computer-based learning; Computer-mediated learning

This contribution explores computer-assisted learning (CAL) from a number of different angles. First, it discusses the many synonyms that exist for the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education. Within these synonyms are concepts which often hide subtle but important differences from both a technological as well as a pedagogical/educational point of view. It proceeds with a short history of CAL. While CAL as an entity was first used in the early 1960s of the previous century (1960s), the concept underlying its use has roots dating back to the beginning of that century. The third and final part will focus on the effectiveness of CAL in education which will lead to an adaptation of the current definition.

What’s in a Name?

In their Dictionary of Computing, Daintith and Wright (2008) describe CAL as

[a]ny use of computers to aid or support the...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arteveldehogeschool, Ghent, Belgium

    Pedro De Bruyckere

  2. Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Pedro De Bruyckere

  3. Open Universiteit, Heerlen, The Netherlands

    Paul A. Kirschner

  4. University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland

    Paul A. Kirschner

Authors
  1. Pedro De Bruyckere
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  2. Paul A. Kirschner
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pedro De Bruyckere .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Victoria University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Arthur Tatnall

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Don Passey

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De Bruyckere, P., Kirschner, P.A. (2019). Computer-Assisted Learning. In: Tatnall, A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Education and Information Technologies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60013-0_73-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60013-0_73-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-60013-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-60013-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Computer SciencesReference Module Computer Science and Engineering

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