The management of the National Computer Assisted instruction and Learning (CAIL) project in Malaysia

Abstract

This study discusses questions that address how Computer Assisted Instruction and Learning (CAIL) co-ordinators managed CAIL facilities in school. It also examinies factors which are considered important by CAIL co-ordinators to ensure the successful implementation of CAIL and the co-ordinators` level of understanding of CAIL. The level of utilisation of the CAIL facilities in each project school was also investigated. Finally, this study sets out to see if discernible patterns exist between management practices of co-ordinators with school size, co-ordinators` experiences, and attitudes towards the job. This study is descriptive an uses the survey method to collect data. Analys of the data revealed that a majority of the co-ordinators had carried out the regular management activities that were expected of them. The CAIL co-ordinators unanimously agreed that headmasters` and peers` support, financial support, hardware and software quality, and maintenance are essential for successful implementation of CAIL. Of all these factors, having full support from the headmaster is the most important. The study also found that co-ordinators had adequate knowledge of CAIL. It found, however, that the utilisation of the CAIL facilities among students is higher than among teachers. Finally, this study indicates that school`s size has some influence onmanagement practices, while co-ordinator`s attitude and experience does not.