Computer-assisted instruction: a learner's viewpoint

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is becoming increasingly common in nursing. Insight into factors that facilitate or impede this process was gained through interviews with nursing students who had used one of four computer programs. Content analysis of these interviews found that the CAI experience includes many components. Three overall categories of comments emerged, pertaining to (a) the learner, (b) the learning environment, and (c) software design, including interactive features, how the learning design uses these features to achieve the learning objectives, and the content. This paper discusses elements that facilitate or hinder learning in each area and illustrates each with quotes from the interviews. This article also suggests positive actions that can increase learning through CAI use.