A review was conducted of 16 research studies evaluating the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in teaching reading and language arts in the elementary school. The studies were of what K. A. Hall has termed "interactive instruction," which includes drill and practice as well as tutoring. Of the studies reviewed, 13 used at least one experimental (CAI) group and one control group. Of these, four evaluated CAI's effectiveness in teaching vocabulary or language, four the teaching of reading, three the teaching of spelling and reading, and two writing instruction. The three studies that did not use control groups evaluated the effectiveness of CAI projects concerned with the teaching of reading. Nearly all of the studies reviewed found that CAI not only was effective but was more effective than traditional methods for teaching reading, vocabulary, and language. Findings for the effectiveness of CAI in the teaching of writing and spelling, however, were mixed. (An extensive reference list is appended.) (Author/FL)