Instructional software can benefit the learning process in a number of ways. Drill and Practice § What is it? Drill and practice software involves tutorials that present a new concept and provide step by step instructions on how to complete a certain objective. § Relative Advantage – o Provides structured, self-paced learning environments o Provides instant feedback o Repitition helps students absorb information. § Example - Tux Typing A free typing software download featuring several different types of games at a variety of difficulty levels. In the typing games and tests, words and letters fall from the top of the screen and you need to type them as fast as you can to try to catch them all. Tutorials § What is it? With tutorials, text illustrations, descriptions, and simulations are provided to teach a specific task, skill or application. Most of the powerful productivity software packages include a tutorial to teach the user how to use the application. § Relative Advantage – o Provides structured, self-paced environments o Is a self-contained instructional system o Keeps pace with student’s level of knowledge § Example - Essay Express software provides about four to six hours of self-paced learning and practice, with the goal of improving essay writing. With step-by-step narrated introductions to nine cognitive strategies that support the essay writing process, this game also offers an interactive notebook, studetn performance tracking system, and customizable teacher essay questions. Simulations § What is it? Simulation software trains by imitating a real system with a computerized model. § Relative Advantage – o Establishes clear links between skills and real-world situations o Engages students o Saves money, time and other resources § Example - SimCity This game allows players to create a region of land by terraforming and then designing and building a settlement which can grow into a city. Players can zone different areas of land as commercial, industrial, or residential development, as well as build and maintain public services, transport and utilities. For the success of a city players must manage it's finances, environment and quality of life for it's residents. § What is it? Similar to drill and practice software but with more competition and potential for winning. § Relative Advantage – o Engages students o Motivates students to spend more time on the topic o Students can work independently or as teams § Example - I Love the USA A Geography game. The main focus of this program is a game in which the child moves through various areas of the map to find "Joe" who is traveling across the US and has forgotten a package at home which he wants the child to bring to him. "Joe" leaves clues around the US and the child can collect pictures for a travalogue, stickers and send postcards. § What is it? Students are required to use strategy and input. Most simulations and games have some problem solving aspect § Relative Advantage – o Improved interest and motivation o Involves higher order thinking o Makes information more significant § Example - Nancy Drew: The Creature of Kapu Cave is a 3-dimensional world where the user helps solve the mystery of the Creature of Kapu Cave. Nancy Drew is often instructed to complete various tasks before given clues. These tasks are fairly easy, involving pattern-recognition and even testing whether or not you were paying attention to directions.
If used right, it can motivate the student, while freeing up precious time for the teacher. There are five different types of instructional software,
each with beneficial when utilized in the proper environment.
What are they and how are they best used? Read on…