1. Using Instructional Software
Rhonda Christensen
CECS 4100

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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

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

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

18. Evaluating and Selecting Instructional Software

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

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

21. 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?

22. 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?

23. 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?

24. 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?

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