Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is a valuable tool that not only encourages patients, but also provides medical information and the motivation for self management. We developed three modules within a multimedia environment for patients with diabetes or bronchial asthma; positive results were obtained. By using CAI, a reduction in the nurses' workload is achieved along with patients gaining profound and standardized knowledge. We also found some substantial characteristics in the patients' learning behavior and the value of "active learning" in CAI.