Computer-based education has been extensively studied in the last two decades. Such studies have shown that applications of computers, such as computer-aided instruction (CAI) and computer-managed instruction (CMI), can be useful in some facets of education, especially teaching basic skills and for drills. CAI is the use of a computer to help present instruction and/or to interact with a student to enhance learning. It can employ as many as four instructional formats: tutorial, drill and practice, dialogue, or a combination of any or all of these. CMI can be defined as a total educational approach which can provide the teacher or trainer with a management information system--a computerized means of testing, record keeping, and decision making, that assists effective administration, optimized learning, and individual learner management. CAI has the virtues of aiding drill and assisting in individualizing instruction. For a variety of subject areas and grade levels, CAI has been shown to be cost effective. At this time there is little use of CAI in adult education, especially in adult basic education (ABE), but systems employing CAI and CMI have the potential in the near future for dramatically extending educational opportunities to undereducated adults. Homebound programs are possible, and the systems' flexibility will permit greater individualization of ABE programs. (KC)