[Evaluation of computer-assisted instruction methods. Apropos of 26 comparative studies published between 1989 and 1992].

Information and knowledge processing technologies have contributed to the development of Computer assisted instruction (CAI) applications. Multimedia technologies will increase the possibilities of these programmes in the future. However the evaluation of the software as well as the other technologies is necessary. The authors have tried to quantify the contributions of CAI analysing the literature referenced in MEDLINE from 1989 to 1992. On the 470 papers indexed with the key-word "Computer Assisted Instruction", 56 studies take evaluation into account. Only 26, that is 5.5%, presented a clear and explicit methodology of evaluation. On the 26 studies, 16 were considered with positive result and among these, 6 presented a statistical significance. The conditions and the criteria of the evaluation studies do not permit a meta analysis. Is is necessary to develop standardized evaluation criteria to estimate the quantitative and qualitative impact of the CAI technics on the educational process and their own pedagogical contribution.