Usage of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) with special attention to the Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya

Abstract

At present utilizing computer in teaching is gradually expanding globally and the computer is used as an accessorial media in education and training. “Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF)” which was created by the University Grants Commission introduced a new grading system where 5th and 6th places were given to Bachelor’s degree and honors degree respectively. In achieving respective grades, an undergraduate fulfills 1500 notional learning hours per academic year. Some amount of total hours is allocated for the Computer Assisted Learning (CAL). Accordingly, providing educational aids, preparing assessments, their implementations and directions take place through self-studying opportunities of CAL. The objective of the study was to examine how the lecturers use CAL to enhance their undergraduate’s academic purposes and to ascertain the problems encountered in the process of searching their relevant subject information in it. Data gathered through CAL data base as well as direct interviews with lecturers in the eight departments was used in the study. The data analysis revealed only 57% from Department of Hindi, 17% from Department of Western Classical & Christian Culture, 13% from Department of English, 10% from Department of Fine Arts, 3% from Department of Sanskrit, 1% from Department of Modern languages, 0% from Department of Linguistics, Department of Pali & Buddhist Studies and Department of Sinhala contributed to the CAL. According to the interviews that the main cause for this is a lack of workshops regarding the CAL maintenance in each and every year. Without prior knowledge of CAL, permanent academic staff and the temporary academic members who are appointed in every year do not have sufficient knowledge to add proper teaching aids and giving assignments to their students appropriately. Due to the technical difficulties, most of the permanent academic members use their own traditional ways of teaching. In order to fill these discrepancies, CAL training sessions and workshops for lecturers of every academic department can be suggested.