Teaching with Instructional Software

Q1). a) did you see any instructional software used in the Q1) a) did you see any instructional software used in the classroom during your prac experience? If yes, explain the example of it and if it was effective.
 b) what instructional software from the reading would you implement into your classroom and why? Give specific examples from the reading. Q2) Discuss the challenges and benefits as a teacher for using instructional software in the classroom Q3) There are several constructivist views on the five instructional software functions. Do you believe these views to be true or do you believe that teachers play a role in determining if a software is appropriate for the needs of the students? Our questions…

Question 1: did you see any instructional software used in the classroom during your prac experience? If yes, explain the example of it and if it was effective. what instructional software from the reading would you implement into your classroom and why? Give specific examples from the reading.

Question 2 Discuss the challenges and benefits as a teacher for using instructional software in the classroom. Consider from an organisational perspective, as well as the five functions and Integrated Learning Systems (ILSs)

Organisational Challenges Availability of computers Teacher knowledge of the program, and how to use it Choosing the right program with the right functions Meeting outcomes & preparing for testing Cost Educational References Organisational Challenges

Drill-and-practice Exercises in which students work example items, usually one at a time, and receive feedback on their correctness Benefits Immediate feedback Student motivation Saving teacher time Challenges Perceived misuses Criticism by constructivists

Tutorial An entire instructional sequence similar to a teacher’s classroom instruction on a topic Challenges Tutorials which require a lot of reading Criticism by constructivists Lack of good products Reflect only one instructional approach Benefits Branching tutorials allows for progress reports Incorporates drill and practice; immediate feedback to students Self-contained, self-paced unit of instruction Can allow students who struggle to re-learn or re-visit a topic Advanced students to move ahead & learn something new Provides schools with opportunities to teach a topic where the teacher is unavailable

Simulation A computerized model of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works. Learners usually must choose tasks to do and the order in which to do them. There are 2 types: those that teach about something, and those that teach how to do something. Benefits Compress time Slow down processes Get students involved Make experimentation safe Make the impossible possible Save money & other resources Allow repetition with variables Allow observation of complex processes Challenges Accuracy of models Misuse of simulations

Instructional Games Designed to increase motivation by adding game rules and/or competition to learning activities Benefits Motivation Challenges Learning vs. fun Confusion of game rules & real life Inefficient learning

Problem-solving Benefits Improved interest & motivation Designed especially for this purpose, may focus on fostering component skills in, or approaches to general problem-solving ability, or it may provide opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content area problems. Benefits Improved interest & motivation Prevents inert knowledge Constructivist Challenges Names vs. skills Software claims vs. effectiveness Possible negative effects Transfer

Integrated Learning Systems Systems that offer computer-based instruction & other resources to support instruction, along with summary reports of student progress through the instruction; all are provided through networked or online sources. They offer a variety of instructional techniques in one place, usually as a curriculum package complete with technical maintenance and teacher training. Challenges The cost Research on achievement No predictability found in research Concerns about the role of ILSs Benefits Provides combination of the materials above, therefore duplicates the benefits Networked or online Easy to use Frees the time up for teachers Teachers can personalize instructional activities

Question 3 There are several constructivist views on the five instructional software functions. Do you believe these views to be true or do you believe that teachers play a role in determining if a software is appropriate for the needs of the students?

Constructivism is a theory of knowledge that argues that human generate knowledge and meaning from an interaction between their experiences and their ideas. Learning is based on students’ active participation in problem solving and critical thinking in relation to an activity which they find relevant and engaging. * View of children being able to construct their own learning. Definition

Constructivist Views of the Five Functions For Example: Drill & Practice Drill-and-practice software for many people is considered an outdated approach to teaching. Many believe that if students are practising isolated skills, the process contradicts the move for students to learn and use skills in an integrated way. Specifically in relation to the trends in the new curriculum. Tutorial Tutorials are criticized because they deliver directed instruction. This approach may not allow students the chance to generate their own knowledge through hands on experience. Students are simply told what to do and don’t have the chance to explore within their own learning. Despite these criticisms, it is likely that some form of drill-and-practice software probably will be useful in many classrooms for some time to come. Rather than ignoring drill-and-practice software or criticizing it as outmoded, teachers should seek to identifY needs that drills can meet and use the software in ways that take advantage of its capabilities. Include my view on question with specific reference to an example. Constructivist Views of the Five Functions

What role do teachers play? Do you believe the constructivist views within the reading? Why/why not? Do teachers play a role? Can you think of an example? Relate to benefits of drill & practice. Example: Drill and practice- Even if it is considered outdated. There are still benefits to drill and practice such as preparing for tests or ensuring students have a good understanding/memory of a particular strategy/topic before moving on with the teaching subject. It is for this reason that teachers are ultimately the ones that make the decisions about whether a software is suitable for use within their classroom and whether the particular software is beneficial to the students needs (Practice, Practice, Practice). Eg. Tutorials- Even though they are considered instructional, there are still benefits and again the teacher can ultimately use the software to an advantage at times. What role do teachers play?