Definition 1 of 2
Definition
A teaching method in which a computer delivers structured learning material to the student, presenting information, asking questions, providing feedback, and adjusting the pace or path based on the student's responses. In aviation training, it is commonly used alongside an instructor to support self-paced study of subjects such as regulations, weather, aerodynamics, and systems.
Plain English
Lessons taught through a computer program. The student works through the material on screen, the program asks questions, marks answers, and moves them forward at their own speed.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor training when discussing ground lessons, training software, online courses, and other teaching tools.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing how computer-assisted instruction fits into training helps a student or instructor use it for what it does well — drill, review, and self-paced study — while reserving instructor time for the things a computer cannot teach, such as judgement, decision-making, and hands-on flying.
Intuition Check
Do not assume computer-assisted instruction means the computer replaces the instructor. It means the computer helps with the instruction while the instructor still oversees the learning.
Example Sentence 1
The flight school used computer-assisted instruction for the private pilot ground school, letting students work through the lessons at home before meeting their instructor.
Example Sentence 2
Computer-assisted instruction allowed the student to review aircraft systems at their own pace after class.