APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTER A I D E D INSTRUCTION
By C. Hendrickson, 1 A. M. ASCE, A. Pasquale, 2 W. Robinson, 3 and M. Rossi-Velasco 4 i ABSTRACT: Computer aided instruction (CAI) offers numerous advantages for education and training when properly designed and implemented. Recent computer developments in hardware and software enhance the effectiveness and reduce the cost of CAI. We review recent developments, using CAI programs designed and developed by the writers as examples. Experience with the use of CAI in a large general contracting and construction management firm is also reported. Our survey concludes that CAI can now be widely adopted for training and education supplements in civil engineering.

INTRODUCTION

In the past few decades, n u m e r o u s enthusiasts have predicted a revolution in education through the adoption of computer aided instruction (CAI). While the CAI revolution m a y still b e distant, some n e w developments make CAI a practical and extremely beneficial supplement for education a n d on-the-job training in civil engineering. For example: • Construction executives use a microcomputer-based business game to develop and test m a n a g e m e n t strategies as part of Stanford University's continuing education program (2). Each student is challenged to create a profitable contracting firm in the game, b u t the real payoff comes from n e w insights into techniques a n d strategies. • Employees at Mellon-Stuart Company, a large general contracting and construction m a n a g e m e n t firm, routinely use a microcomputerbased tutorial on the use of the company's computerized scheduling system. The tutorial illustrates the action of the scheduling system and reflects Mellon-Stuart Company's specific approach to scheduling and reporting. The tutorial is faster a n d more enjoyable t h a n plowing through manuals or facing the scheduling