Using computer technology in support of teaching and learning

The past 10 years have seen prodigious efforts by many institutions to make use of the potential benefits of computer technology for teaching. One serious obstacle to the wider uptake of these benefits is a lack of knowledge of the specific technology-based learning strategies that can be adopted. This article describes six ways in which the computer can be used as a valid tool in the teaching and learning process. These include the use of the computer as an aid to presentation, using it to organize and access information, interactive computer-based learning, computer communications, discipline-specific applications and course management. Some of the advantages and constraints of computer-based learning are discussed.