Chapter 3Teaching with Instructional SoftwareChapter 4Teaching with the 3 Basic Software Tools

EDU 6611Troy UniversityDr. Christal C. Pritchett

Instructional Software: A Taxonomy 1. Applications

2. Drill-and-Practice

3. Tutorials

4. Simulation

5. Instructional Games

6. Problem-Solving

7. Multimedia

8. Teacher Utilities

Types of Instructional Software1. ApplicationsDefinition

A group of applications programs that is designed to automate general-purpose and specific tasks such as word processing, database management, spreadsheet, attendance, accounting, grade reporting, scheduling and others.

Features acquire knowledge and insight about content and processes. enhance problem-solving and thinking skills. enhance students’ technical skills. enhance student’s personal productivity.

Types of Instructional Software

ExampleMS ExcelExcel one of the most popular spreadsheet programs that can used to teach management processes and enhance problem-solving and thinking skills in mathematics and science.

Types of Instructional Software2. Drill and PracticeDefinitionDrill and practice software provides exercises in which students work example items one at a time and receive feedback on their correctness. Features Reinforce instruction by providing the repetition necessary to move acquired skills and concepts into long-term memory. Capture and retain the attention of students. Save teachers’ time and efforts. Personalize instruction by meeting individual differences among learners.

Types of Instructional Software

ExampleECS Keyboard Enables students to: Play notes on the keyboard after seeing them written. Identify played notes by assessing intervals from played/written notes Playback written notes quickly.

Types of Instructional SoftwareExampleMaster the Facts Multiplication:This program was created in response to teachers to use in their classrooms to teach multiplication. Students using Master the Facts Multiplication for as little as ten minutes a day to practice multiplication skills may demonstrate marked improvement in multiplication skills on quizzes and tests..

Types of Instructional Software3. TutorialsDefinitionA tutorial exposes the learner to material that is believed not to have been previously taught or learned. A tutorial often includes pre-test, post test and drill and practice activities. Features Follow linear programmed instruction or branching design. Encourage students to interact, control and response to the program. Guide the learner throughout learning from the beginning (objectives) to the end (evaluation). Have computer-management capabilities (e.g. data collection).

Types of Instructional SoftwareExampleAuslan Sign TutorialThis system provides an easy-to-use and interactive tutorial for learning the basics in communicating in the Australian Sign Language (Auslan). 3D model for signing. 3D model shows emotion. Numbers Mode. Over 60 sign phrases to learn. Random Quiz tests.

Types of Instructional SoftwareExampleFood HygieneThis tutorial is designed to teach students at a school of medicine a complete course on food hygiene which concerns food and the prevention of illness and maintenance of health. Uses well-prepared text supported by pictures, audio and video clips.

Types of Instructional Software4. SimulationsDefinitionA simulation is a computerized model of real or imagined system designed to teach how a system works and allows learners to create their own sequence for using simulation. Features Involve students into learning process. Compress time or slow down processes. Save money and resources. Make experimentation safe. Make impossible situations possible and controllable. Let student repeat events as many times as they want.

Types of Instructional Software

ExampleCurvilinearFriendly design, users do not need to get trained to operate these tools. Using buttons, textboxes and slide bars learners can run or stop the experiment and change the parameters of the phenomena.

Types of Instructional Software5. Instructional GamesDefinitionInstructional games are courseware designed to motivate learning by adding game rules to learning activities. Features Make learning fun and motivating (Edutainment). Motivate learners via the challenge of competition. Engage the learner in a situation where the learner is competing for a high score. Include elements of adventure and uncertainty. Provide different levels of complexity that match player’s ability.

Types of Instructional Software

ExampleSave the Math ApplesHelp the monkey save the apples! Click on the basket with the number to give the answer. Keep clicking the basket to add numbers to your answer.

Types of Instructional Software

ExampleJungle Jim and the Donga Dinga DrumsThis interactive game encourages kids to play with numbers and multiplication concept and win points as long as he/she hits the right number.

Types of Instructional Software6. Problem-SolvingDefinitionProblem-solving software is a type of content-free or content-based programs that places emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, logic and reasoning via the presentation of set of data or problematic event. Features Stress thinking processes rather than correct answers. Expose students to a series of activities that would help teach the desired skills. Help students work together in small teams. Give students opportunities to see how information applies to actual problems. Vary the amount of direction and assistance depending on the each student’s needs.

Types of Instructional SoftwareExampleMS ExcelExcel one of the most popular spreadsheet programs that can used to teach management processes and enhance problem-solving and thinking skills in mathematics and science.

Types of Instructional Software7. MultimediaDefinitionPrograms that support the interactive use of text, audio, still images, video and graphics and manipulate them to support learning.Features Enhance text only presentations by adding interesting sounds and compelling visuals. Engage a variety of learning modalities (visual, auditory and possibly kinesthetic) which can appeal to various learner styles simultaneously. Allow development of more engaging, persuasive presentations. Focus practice of skills that support transfer of learning.

Types of Instructional SoftwareExampleScholar’s Desktop.This program provides a series of modules for teaching, using a combination of media. Students can visit many museums around the world and explore many environments as they visit it.

Types of Instructional Software

ExampleMS Photo StoryThis authoring tool allows students to create their own digital stories using text, audio and pictures and export their projects into a digital movie.

Types of Instructional Software8. Teacher UtilitiesDefinitionNon-instructional or administrative programs used to prepare instructional materials or organize, store, evaluate and report information on pupils’ achievement and progress.Features Based on the principle of database management. Manipulate classroom and examination data. Permit the teacher to have untold amounts of information. Reduce the amount of repetitive paper work. Create and maintain lesson plans. Create and print a school calendar.

Example: STI or INOW

Productivity Applications for Software•Word Processing

▫Creating handouts or other instructional materials, lesson plans and notes, reports, forms, letters to parents or students, flyers, and newsletters

•Spreadsheets▫Keeping club and classroom budgets,

preparing performance checklists, and keeping gradebooks

Productivity Applications for Software•Databases

▫Inventorying and locating instructional resources, data mining for planning and reporting, using information on students to respond to questions or perform required tasks, and sending personalized letters to parents and others

Teaching & Learning Tasks Using Software•Word Processing

▫Supporting the learning of writing processes; using a dynamic group process approach; assigning individual language, writing, and reading exercises; and encouraging writing through the curriculum

•Spreadsheets▫Making possible visual teaching demonstrations;

supporting student products; supporting mathematical and “what if” problem solving; storing and analyzing data; and projecting grades

Teaching & Learning Tasks Using Software•Databases

▫Teaching research and study skills; teaching organization skills; understanding the power of information “pictures”; posing and testing hypotheses; and searching for information during research