Knowledge, retention, and attitude effects of computer-assisted instruction.

The effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and lecture upon knowledge, retention, and attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students were compared in this research study. Retention was of particular interest, since few nursing CAI studies have investigated this concept. A two-group posttest design with a second posttest eight months later was used. Lesson content for both the CAI and lecture groups was the nursing research problem. The CAI group used an interactive tutorial written in BASIC. The lecture group was presented the same content using transparencies. There were no significant differences in knowledge, retention, or attitudes between the CAI and lecture group. Attitudes toward CAI were positive. CAI is as effective as lecture for learning knowledge and retention.