Using Instructional Software Rhonda Christensen CECS 4100

Types of Instructional Software Drill and Practice Tutorial Simulation Problem Solving Tool Software Programming

Drill and Practice Software Prior to 1984 about 75% of educational sofware was drill and practice Easy way to “get started” Easy programs to write Often keep track of student progress

Drill and Practice Software Advantages Immediate feedback error analysis techniques Efficient record keeping current progress of each student Motivation Even though perhaps electronic worksheets Can help individualize instruction

Tutorial Software Concepts are presented followed by the opportunity to practice using that information Guided practice Immediate feedback

Tutorial Software Advantages Interaction Individualization Efficiency Adjust pace Student control vs. computer control Branching techniques Intelligent tutoring systems Efficiency

How to Use Tutorials in Teaching For self-paced reviews of instruction As an alternative learning strategy To allow instruction when teachers are unavailable advanced students rural areas

Computer Simulations A representation or model of an event, an object or a phenomenon Simplified model containing essential elements of real thing Power to manipulate aspects of model Ex. Lemonade Stand Decisions, Decisions Carmen series

How to Use Simulations in Teaching Compress time Slow down process Get students involved Make experimentation safe Make the impossible possible Save money and other resources Repeat with variations Make situations controllable

Problem Solving Courseware Similar to simulation but not necessarily an attempt at a real-life situation Problem solving skills Working backward Breaking a problem into parts Identifying necessary/unnecessary info. Looking for sequence or patterns Visual reasoning

Tool Software Has become common in education Word processors, data bases, spreadsheets, graphics programs, hypermedia and stat programs Most can be used in many ways in many disciplines

Programming Software Most control over computer Pascal, C++, LOGO, BASIC, FORTRAN Teaching of programming has steadily declined in U.S. schools

Programming Software Controversial regarding teaching in education Few will become programmers Learning how to program teaches an awareness of what can be done, etc. Should be used to reach a goal - within curriculum goals

Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) Includes instructional software and a management system Operates on a LAN (Local Area Network) Includes pretest, diagnosis of learner’s level, assignments, post-test, reinforcement

Integrated Learning Systems Students typically work at their own pace Usually in lab setting May drive rather than support the curriculum Expensive Overuse in U.S.

Computer Managed Instruction Teacher’s use of computer to manage instruction gradebook (spreadsheet) newsletters reports clerical management

Problems with Effective Use of Computers in the Classroom Teacher training Lack of integration into curricululm Dynamic nature of computing

Evaluating and Selecting Instructional Software

Locating Software Vendor catalogs Professional journals Conferences Online web sites Educational organizations Colleagues

Evaluating Software Determine what will meet curricular goals and objectives Determine criteria Read reviews Order preview copy Mechanism for inventorying and distributing software

Criteria for Software Evaluation Content characteristics Is content accurate? Does the content have educational value? Is the content free of race, ethnic, sex and other stereotypes?

Criteria for Software Evaluation Instructional Characteristics Is the purpose well defined? Does it achieve its purpose? Is the presentation of content clear and logical? Is the level of difficulty appropriate for target audience? Are graphics, color, etc. appropriate?

Criteria for Software Evaluation Instructional Characteristics (con’t) Is the package motivational? Does it stimulate creativity? Is feedback from students effectively employed? Does the learner control rate and sequence? Is instruction integrated with previous experiences?

Criteria for Software Evaluation Technical Characteristics Are user support materials comprehensive and effective? Can intended user easily operate the program? Can teachers easily use the program? Is the program reliable?

Stay legal with Software Determine the number of copies your school/district will purchase Follow copyright agreement Consider lab packs, site license