Week 3

Examples of Instructional Software
Some examples of different types of instructional software include: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, instructional games, problem solving, and integrated learning systems
Drill and practice is a type of software which students use to practice a concept such as math, spelling, or reading skills. In drill and practice software, students receive immediate feedback and in many instances they are given learning paths or visual cues to assist them in retaining the information presented in the drills. Many teachers use drill and practice software to teach multiplication. One of my favorite drill and practice software programs is V-Math. Students are drilled on multiplication, division, adding and subtracting. Once mastery is achieved on one level the student can advance to a more difficult level. The software has a feature which allows students to compete in timed drills against students in other schools, states, as well as other countries. Ticket to Read is a drill and practice program in which students read a short passage and answer questions based on grade level reading skills. The reward for mastery is points in which students can use to decorate a clubhouse in the program. To achieve a high level in V-math, students are allowed to create their own avitars. By receiving immediate feedback students are motivated to excel on a continuous basis. Due to the economy, we are limited to a certain number of copies in school and the drill and practice software has eliminated the need for excessive amounts of paper.
Tutorial software includes programs in which students are provided with step-by-step instruction and activities that enhance learner progress on "how to" projects. This type of program delivers information to the learner as it teaches a skill. An example of tutorial software would be a program called "K to the 8th." K to the 8th provides step-by-step instruction on creating power points, documents in Excel, MS Word,how to locate adjectives in a sentence, or even how to make and embed video in presentations or web pages. An abundance of tutorial software can be located on Teacher Tube and YouTube. Tutorial software provides explanations, step-by-step instruction, practice, as well as feedback. It also has the positive element of creating student confidence. Tutorial software allows the student to be interactive and self-assessors.
Simulation software gives the student the feeling of real scenarios, such as in a Driver's Education Class. Simulation software creates a model of the real thing. These types of programs can be used to teach students in two ways; About a concept and how to do concept. The simulation software that many teachers rave most about is the drunk driving simulator in high schools. Students wear goggle that make them feel the same effects that a drunk driver might feel (even the nausea). This type of simulation has been known to deter drinking and driving in many high schools, the students are highly involved, safe, and gaining knowledge.
Instructional Game Software provides a challenge to students as they learn. This type of software comes in a variety of appealing formats for children of all ages. The instructional game software should be clearly instructional, but the characters involved should be ones that the children can relate to. They should avoid any violence, and should be entertaining. Game software is highly motivating to students. One of my favorite software programs can be located on the web at www.starfall.com.
Children are exposed to reading skills, math, seasonal activities, as well as social studies issues in which they are competitive as well as problem solvers.
Problem solving software can be utilized quite well for content area skills. It keeps kids motivated, utilizing higher order thinking skills. Problem solving software must be used to assist students in applying prior knowledge. This type of software works well in the content areas and is helpful when students are working on skill development. I would most likely use problem solving software as a group activity. Students can make concept maps and as a larger group, they can apply those higher order thinking skills.
The Integrated Learning Systems Software is becoming more and more popular within the school systems. Many systems are spending money to purchase this software because it supports classroom instruction and software developers are now catering to the needs of individual state standards. The software developers are allowing for the use of very detailed reports that are used to diagnose student weaknesses and strengths. I am an educator in a data-driven school and Integrated Learning Systems Software summarizes the data by class, gender, school, race, skill deficiencies, and numerous other subcategories. This software is normally networked and provides some really detailed student information. Our school system uses the Compass Learning Software. I use Fall, Winter, and Spring Benchmark Tests to determine student growth or decline. The Integrated Learning Systems Software combines a portion of all of the above programs and it is widely used to stay compliant with the NCLB Act, by helping teachers monitor success, failure, tutoring needs, assist in drill and practice, and exploration of the element of problem solving. This software helps me to determine student learning needs.
Computer software has come a long way since the 1970's and its growth is exponential. There is software out there to fit every need, and as teachers. we must keep ourselves educated on the latest and greatest technology available to meet the needs of the diverse populations of students that we teach daily.