An Assessment of Computer-Assisted Instruction Dissertations: 1988–1993

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight trends of types of modes, beneficiary, and thrust used in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) dissertations. A six-item summation chart was used to categorize the characteristics found in 322 CAI dissertations from 1988 through 1993. The following items were used in the categorization of dissertations: year, geography, academic area, mode, beneficiary, and thrust. The major portion of each item is listed as following: year—1990 (19.6%), geography—south (35.7%), academic area—technology (26%), mode—tutorial (72.7%), beneficiary—college students (33.5%), and thrust—analysis (47.5%). Doctoral dissertations provide the major contributions to the specific field. Therefore, it is beneficial for researchers to highlight some of the research trends, and find some of the challenges that they will face in CAI doctoral dissertation.