The following are types
of instructional software and examples of each:
1.)
Drill and Practice software allows
students to practice various skills and learn content material through drill
exercises. Research has proven that
drill and practice can help students “transfer newly learned information into long-term
memory” (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p. 84).
Flash cards are a common drill
and practice tool. Quizlet allows students to create their own flash cards. It is free, simple to use, and can be useful
in studying for almost any subject matter especially involving vocabulary
terms. http://quizlet.com/
2.) Tutorial software
provides content material, activities, and assessments (Robyler & Doering,
2013). ChemCollective is an online resource for teaching and learning
chemistry. It contains tutorials on many
chemistry topics such as stoichiometry.
The tutorial software walks students through solving chemistry problems
which can be beneficial for those needing extra assistance. http://chemcollective.org/tutorials
3.) Simulation software
can be especially useful in science courses.
For example, virtual dissections give students the opportunity to
dissect a specimen without the need of being in an actual lab. Virtual dissection software can be less
costly than purchasing the actual specimen (Robyler & Doering, 2013). It is also a good alternative for students who
may have issues with dissecting. The Virtual Frog Dissection Educational App
would be perfect for biology students. http://www.frogvirtualdissection.com/
4.) Instructional
Games provide students with opportunities to learn content in an
interactive and entertaining manner. The
Mr. Nussbaum site has science games
geared for elementary students. Games
such as Animal Idol are a fun way for students to learn. http://mrnussbaum.com/scigames/
5.) Problem Solving software
such as STEM Collaborative takes
students through an online adventure which includes many opportunities for
solving content-area problems. The Scale
City activity would be helpful in my biology classes when I introduce the concept
of scale. It could also fit nicely in a
math course. http://www.ket.org/scalecity/
6.) Integrated Learning Systems include
computer-based instruction with the ability to track student progress (Robyler
& Doering, 2013). ILSs such as Carnegie Learning can be useful in remediating
students. Carnegie Learning offers curricula in the areas of math which could
assist students in mastering required standards. http://www.carnegielearning.com/secondary-curricula/
7.) Software Support Tools can
offer many benefits. Materials generators allow students and
teachers alike to create enhanced products.
Microsoft Publisher has been
an integral part of my classes for many years.
My students use Microsoft Publisher to complete class projects such as a
Genetic Disorder Pamphlet. Personally, I
use it to create class newsletters. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/
8.) Graphics Tools
are also considered to be Software
Support Tools. SmartDraw allows students to create charts/graphs using data. This is particularly useful in my biology
classes when analyzing experimental data results. http://www.smartdraw.com/
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
¡Caramba! Oh how I wish I had Quizlet when I was learning Spanish in high school. I remember having to go buy stock cards. Then cut them smaller because I didn’t want to waste them. Then write them all out. And then, being the organized control freak that I am, I punched holes into the cards one by one (there were many) and strung them onto one of those metal ring clip thingies. Quizlet sounds like a much easier way of doing things. And I’m sure there is probably some way to share the online flash cards with others too. I will have to remember this one. Great job!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I liked that you provided an introduction paragraph to instructional software. Why didn’t I think of that?!?
I have also found Carnegie Learning to be a great resource. I think that you are right that it would be very useful in a remmediation or credit recovery type class because of its ability to both give instruction and assess student progress.
ReplyDeleteI am so upset that ChemCollective was not something I was familiar with in high school. That resource could have helped me get the extra practice I needed! I also wish I could have virtually dissected a frog instead of the real thing. This could be a great alternative for those students who, like me, could not stand the thought of cutting something that used to be alive. I am not in med school for a reason! Thanks! This was great!
ReplyDelete