Computer-assisted instruction of early academic skills

Five preschool students with disabilities received direct instruction on three primary skills: matching shapes, colors, and numbers or letters. This was followed by guided practice using constant time delay under two conditions: computer-assisted instruction (CAI) with interactive software, and teacher-assisted instruction (TAI) with manipulatives. An adapted alternating treatments design was used. Both instructional strategies (CAI and TAI) produced significant gains. CAI was either equal or superior to TAI across skills and participants. The results suggest that CAI, using constant time delay, is an effective means of promoting attainment and maintenance of preacademic skills in young children with disabilities.