Week 5 Instructional Software Blog Post

 ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

 INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

We are now in the 21st century and technology is the way of life. It seems like everywhere you go technology is being used, and everyone you know is using technology in some form or fashion. Well that is definitely the case in the field of education. Instructional software are computer programs designed specifically to deliver or support one or more kinds of learning activities. There are multiple types of instructional software, and they are as follows:

1. Drill and practice-which allow learners to work problems or answer questions and get feedback on correctness. An example of this type of software is Earobics® by Cognitive Concepts, Inc. This would be a wonderful resource to set up in the classroom as a station that students can visit during free time that provides them with opportunities to practice phonological awareness along with other reading readiness skills.
2. Tutorials-act like a human tutor by providing all the information and instructional activities a learner needs to master a topic (i.e. information summaries, explanation, practice routines, feedback, and assessment). An example of this type of software is Congress for Kids® sponsored by the Dirksen Congressional Center. This software provides instruction in various aspects of U.S. government (i.e. sequences of screens give explanations of how government works, with assessment items to review concepts and check comprehension). This is a great tool to implement that allows me the opportunity to work with students in small groups. I would divide the class up and rotate them out between doing tutorials on the computer and working with me in small groups.
3. Problem solving- helps learners acquire problem-solving skills by giving them opportunities to solve problems. An example of this type of software is The Geometer’s Sketchpad® by Key Curriculum Press, Inc. This is a dynamic construction and exploration tool where students use software features to draw objects, investigate their mathematical properties, analyze problems, propose solutions, and do proofs to test their hypotheses. I would implement the above resource as a form of guided practice during a lesson on geometric shapes.
4. Instructional games- are activities designed to increase motivation by adding game rules and/or competition to learning activities. An example of this type of software is Where in the USA Is Carmen Sandiego?® which is a mystery game to study geography/ history: Students answer geography and history questions that yield clues as to where the mystery character (Carmen) is hiding. I could definitely use this tool as positive reinforcement for my students who display appropriate behavior. Those students displaying target behavior would then be rewarded with the opportunity to play the above instructional game.
5.  Integrated learning systems -provide computer-based instruction in addition to tracking and reporting student progress. An example of this type of software is The Compass Learning Odyssey®. At the end of a lesson, I would definitely use the above program to build an assessment, and view how each student performed individually on that assessment. By using the online assessment feature, I will then have access to each student’s learning paths (styles) provided by the above software, which will then allow/assist me to perform differentiated instruction with my students.
6. Simulations- real or imaginary model systems that show you how those systems or similar ones work or to demonstrate underlying concepts. An example of this type of software is Oregon Trail®. A simulated trip in the Old West of the 1890s permits students to learn about pioneer days by taking roles in a simulated wagon train journey. I would incorporate the above software during a history lesson, to provide students an opportunity to become engaged and give them an actual glimpse into how things were really done back during that time. Providing them with this real life simulation, will hopefully make the lesson a bit more interesting and meaningful.
   
   
   References
   Doering, A., & Veletsianos, G. (2009). Teaching with Instructional Software. In M.D. Robyler & A. Doering (Eds.), Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (73-108). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
   
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