Integration of Technology Administrative Support Teaching/Learning Tool –Demonstration/Visual Support –Student as User –Student as Designer/Developer

Chapter 3 Teaching with Instructional Software

INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE Programs developed specifically to deliver or assist with student instruction on a topic

Instructional Software Classifications Drill and Practice –skill practice –Directed model Tutorial –information delivery –Directed model Simulation –demonstration –Exploration –Directed & Constructivist Instructional Games – skill practice – Exploration – Directed & Constructivist Problem Solving – skill practice – Exploration – Constructivist *Simulation matches both instructional models most fully

DRILL AND PRACTICE Types Flashcard activity Branching drill Extensive feedback activities Criteria for well- designed programs Control over presentation Appropriate feedback Answer reinforcement

TUTORIALS Tutorial types Linear tutorials Branching tutorials Criteria for well- designed programs Extensive interactivity Thorough user control Appropriate pedagogy Adequate answer- judging and feedback Appropriate graphics Adequate record keeping

SIMULATIONS Types Physical Iterative Procedural Situational Criteria for well- designed programs System fidelity and accuracy Good documentation to explain system characteristics and uses

INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES Game types Rules Elements of competition and challenge Amusing or entertaining formats Criteria for well- designed programs Appealing formats and activities Instructional value Physical dexterity is reasonable Minimum violence/aggression

PROBLEM SOLVING Criteria for well- designed programs Challenging and interesting formats Clear links to developing specific problem-solving skills or abilities Problem solving types Specific to content area General content- free skills

Integrated Learning System (ILS) Characteristics Instructional objectives Lessons integrated into standard curriculum Courseware Management system Criteria for well- designed ILS Good curriculum coverage Good pedagogical strategies Several different report formats Easy-to-read and interpret reports “one-stop shopping” approach to providing software

Integrated Learning System (ILS) Benefits Help provide supplemental educational services required by NCLB Act Benefits of drill, tutorials, simulations, instructional games, and problem solving—depending on selection Easier to access via network or online Personalized instruction Summary progress data Limitations and problems Costs Research on impact Concerns about the role of ILSs

Courseware Evaluation Essential Questions Does it teach? Is the content accurate, current, and appropriate? Is it “user friendly”? Does it work correctly?

Chapter 4 Teaching with the Basic Three Software Tools: 1.Word Processing 2.Spreadsheet 3.Database Programs

Why Use Software Tools? Improved Productivity Improved Appearance Improved Accuracy More Support for Interaction

Word Processing Definition Documents as a stream of text on a computer Characteristics Text Graphics Placement on page Desktop publishing Individual pages

Word Processing Research Improves writing Improves attitudes toward writing More revising Increased sharing and feedback Issues When to introduce Keyboarding skills Effects on handwriting Impact on assessment

Word Processing Educational Impact for Teachers Saves time Better appearance Document sharing Integration Strategies Support the learning of the writing process Dynamic group product approach Individual language, writing, and reading exercises Encouraging writing across the curriculum

Spreadsheets Definition Programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data The program The product Characteristics Information in columns and rows Calculations Data manipulation Charting

Spreadsheets Research Useful tools –Problem solving –Statistical analysis Issues Spreadsheets versus grade book packages –Flexibility –Setup

Spreadsheets in the Classroom Teacher Productivity Grade keeping Budgets Attendance charts Performance assessment checklists Instructional Activities Demonstrations Student products Support for problem solving Storing and analyzing data Projecting grades

Databases Definition Programs that allow users to store, organize, and manipulate information (both text and numerical data) Program Product Characteristics Files Fields Records Store and update data Queries Reports Formulas

Databases Research Acquire useful skills in searching and using information Useful in inquiry and problem solving skills Increase teacher skills with lesson design Issues Information overload

Databases Teacher Productivity Reduces data redundancy Saving time locating and/or updating information Data comparisons Reveals relationships among data Instructional Activities Research and study skills Organizational skills Create profiles (information pictures) Posing and testing hypotheses Research/search information

Recommended strategies for teaching word processing, spreadsheet, & database skills Demonstrate basics Assign individual practice Demonstrate formulas and formatting features Illustrate data relationship Demonstrate procedures with new files

Software & ILS Benefits Motivates students to solve problems and spend time on topic Retention of information Slow down processes Get students involved Make experimentation safe Make the impossible possible Save money and other resources Allow repetition with variations Allow observations of complex processes Immediate feedback Save/compress time

Software & ILS Limitations and problems Courseware claims Vs effectiveness Effects of directed instruction Vs constructivist Transfer of knowledge Learning Vs having fun Confusion of game rules Vs real life rules Inefficient learning Misuse/replacement of teacher or overuse Hard to find or $$$$ Outdated quickly

Software & ILS Ways to use Remediation/Extension of lesson Provide support in solving problems Encourage cooperation/group work/problem solving In place of or to supplement worksheets and exercises To foster cooperation and group work As a reward (be careful) Lab experiments Replacement or supplement to role playing, field trips Introducing a new topic Fostering exploration Self-paced reviews Alternative learning strategies When teachers are not available To assist in preparing for objective tests

Software & ILS Guidelines Use sparingly Involve all students Emphasize content area skills Use learning stations or individual checkout Set time limits Assign individually

Newsletter Communication with parents, students, school Medium for students to demonstrate knowledge of content area Student language development Teacher provides supplemental content