Efficacy of Computer-Assisted Instruction in Early Education

This research article examines the efficacy of the Waterford Early Learning (WEL) program, a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) intervention designed for early literacy and math education. The study involved 161 kindergarten students from an Illinois school district, divided into an experimental group using WEL during the 2023-2024 school year and a historical control group that did not use WEL in the 2021-2022 school year. The literacy and math skills of both groups were assessed at the beginning and end of their respective school years. Results indicated that the experimental group achieved significantly higher end-of-year literacy and math scores compared to the control group, with effect sizes ranging from 0.29 to 0.72. The findings support the effectiveness of WEL in enhancing early learning outcomes in literacy and mathematics, suggesting that CAI can be a valuable supplement to traditional instruction when implemented thoughtfully.