Instructional Software

Definition: computer software used for the primary purpose of teaching and self-instruction. Categories include: Drill and practice Tutorial Simulation Instructional games Problem-solving

Drill and Practice This type of software utilizes working examples that allow for the user to practice solving the problems. The software provides feedback on whether the exercise was done correctly (Doering & Roblyer 2010). Examples include: Flash card activities Branching drills Extensive feedback activities Good software includes: Control over presentation rate Answer judging Appropriate feedback for correct and incorrect answers Benefits of Drill and Practice: This gives the learner the opportunity for repetitive rehearsal that increases long term memory. It provides immediate feedback, motivation, and saves the teacher time. Websites: - a math website that allows for multiple disciplines to be practiced. - a writing website that helps learners with their writing skills.

Tutorial This type of software envelops the entire instructional sequence, from beginning to end of a lesson. This is intended to be self contained and not require outside sources for additional instruction to master the lesson. This is a true teaching software (Doering & Roblyer 2010). Examples include: Flash card activities Branching drills Extensive feedback activities Good software includes: Extensive interactivityAdequate answer-judging feedback capabilities Thorough user controlAppropriate graphics Appropriate pedagogyAdequate record keeping Benefits: This software utilizes the same aspects of drill and practices therefore it will have the same benefits. Websites: - this sofware provides many different tutorial programs for education.

Simulation This type of software is a simulation that is designed to represent at realist system and how it works. The software usually includes tasks rather then drills, and it requires the learner to choose a specific task to accomplish (Doering & Roblyer 2010). Examples include: Simulations that teach about something; Physical simulations, Interactive simulations Simulations that teach how to do something; Procedural simulations, Situational simulations Good software includes: Realistic and accurate Good graphics User control over testing and analyzing data Benefits: This software compresses time, has slow down processes, gets students involved, and makes experimentation safe. Websites: - this allows for the learner to build different types of brideges, test the bridges and analizę the testing information. - this software allows the user to control and see the effects of changing elements to a realistic scenario effects the outcome of the sims.

Instructional Game This type of software bridges the worlds of gaming, entertainment, and education in an attempt to deliver fun and interactive learning (Doering & Roblyer 2010). Good software includes: Appealing formats and activitiesInstructional value Physical dexterity is reasonableSocial, Societal, and Cultural considerations Where to use them: In place of worksheets and exercises To teach cooperative group working skills As a reward Benefits: This software adds to the fun of the classroom. It has also been observed that simulations and games add to the retention level. This comes fro the students desire to compete. Websites: - used for math concepts - multi-facet website for instructional games

Problem Solving This type of software functions in a way of 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 (Doering & Roblyer 2010). Examples include: Content-area skills Content-free skills Good software includes: Problem formats should be interesting and challenging Clear link to developing specific problem-solving ability skills Benefits: Improved interest and motivation Prevents inert knowledge Websites: - allows the student to solve different problems related to design that requires the movement of objects.

Instructional Software General websites that provide multiple website lists: References: Roblyer, M. D. & Doering, A. H. (2010). Integrating Education Technology into Teaching. United States of America: Allyn & Bacon.