Instructional Software, Standard 3

Instructional Software

Instructional software has been around for many years. The following are the recent development in their uses and features that are found in Chapter 3 Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching

Here are five types of instructional software and sites. 

1.      Problem- Solving Teaching Functions

http://www.criticalthinking.com

This is software that focuses on teaching content-area skills.  This is used in math and science. It has a lot of tools that offer students creative solutions in both math and science.

2.      Drill and Practice:

http://congressforkids.net/Constitution-

 Students work items and receive feedback from their answer.  It could be as simple as ok or try again. At our school we use the research based program, “Success Maker”, this is the feedback they are given. Some of the benefits are, it motivates our students, gives immediate feedback, and saves teachers time correcting students work.

3.      Instruction Game Teaching Function:                                                                                                       http://www.spore.com

This software adds game like rules to an educational tool. This motivates and promotes interest in learning. Teachers should monitor the games carefully

4.      Tutorial Teaching Functions:                                                                                                                                                                                             http://www.etcai.com/page10.html                                                                                                 

This is a lot like the teachers instruction. They should be able to learn the skills without any teacher guidance.  These are said to be true teaching materials. Students should be able to give thoughtful and frequent answers to questions and problems.

5.      Simulation Software Functions:                                                            http://www.digitalfrog.com

This method teaches through explanation and practice steps in solving problems. This is used often in math and science. There are three ways that benefits students, promotes visualization, promotes interest, and skills are more meaningful. 

Thank you for looking,

Judy