Journal 4

Can Computers Tutor Students as Effectively As Teachers?
Ken Luterbach & Jeanie Cole-(L&L, March/April 2008)

In this article, Ken Luterbach supported the idea that computers can tutor students just as effectively as teachers. Luterbach states that student achievement from computer-aided instruction equaled achievement from teacher-led instruction. For stuggling students, computer-aided instruction may be even more beneficial than a teacher. Luterbach further states that instructional software delivered by computers can actually be more motivating for a student. The benefits of computer tutoring include providing individual attention, immediate feedback and unending patience. However Luterbach mentions that both instructional software and teachers are likely to motivate students of the instruction captures student’s attention, is relevant, increases confidence and provides satisfaction. Luterback seems to contradict his opinion when he states that managing students demands human attention and while computers are an effective method of tutoring, computers cannot replace teachers.
Jeanie Cole takes the other side of the argument and states that while students may benefit from computer instruction, a teacher is needed to adapt instruction and make it challenging. Students need to feel connected with others. A teacher can challenge students, provide collaborative learning and adjust to student personalities and learning styles. Cole does agree with Luterbach when she states that computer programs provide an excellent resource for tutoring struggling learners, however human interaction is still needed. Students need teachers to provide connections, challenges and adjustments. Cole sees instructional software as a tool to be utilized by the teacher. Many other strategies are needed to meet students with a variety of learning styles.

QUESTION 1
What are the advantages of tutoring using instructional software?
Instructional software can capture attention and motivate a student, provide individual instruction, attention and patience and provide feedback. Instructional software can be tailored to meet individual student needs.

QUESTION 2
What are the disadvantages of tutoring using instructional software?
There are no disadvantages in using instructional software for tutoring as long as it is one of many tools being utilized. Teacher input is still needed to provide students with a personal connection to others. Software cannot adapt to a student’s personality or learning style.