Week 3 - Instructional Software

Instructional Software is a general term for computer programs designed specifically to deliver or assist with the delivery of instruction on a topic.

Five Types of Instructional Software

1. Drill and Practice
Drill and practice software provides exercises in which students work example items one at a time and receive feedback on their correctness.
http://www.aaamath.com/

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:
* ECS Keyboard
* Master and Facts Multiplication

2. Tutorial
A 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.
http://mathandreadinghelp.org/math_tutorial_websites.html

Features:
* Follow linear programmed instruction or branching design.
* Encourage students to interact, control and response to the program.
* Guide the learner throughout learning fro the beginning to the end.
* Have computer-management capabilities

Types of Instructional Software:
* Ausian Sign Tutorial
* Food Hygiene

3. Simulation
A simulation is a computerized model of real or imagined system designed to teach how system works and allows learners to create their own sequence for using simulation.
http://www.smg2000.org/
http://kids.discovery.com/games/build-play/build-a-coaster

Features:
* Involve students into the learning process.
* Compress time or slow down process.
* Save money and resources.
* Make experimentation safe.
* Make impossible situation possible and controllable.
* Let student repeat events as many times as they want.

Types of Instructional Software:
* Infinite Physics Simulator
* Curvilinear

4. Instructional Games
Instructional games are courseware designed to motivate learning by adding game rules to learning activities.
http://www.kidsspell.com/
http://www.multiplication.com/games

Features:
* Make learning fun and motivating
* 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:
* Save the Math Apples
*Jungle Jim and Donga Dinga Drums

5. Problem Solving
Problem-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.
http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/problemsolving.html
http://pbskids.org/games/problemsolving.html

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 student's needs.

Types of Instructional Software:
* StressAlyzer
*MS Excel

The following link has more information on instructional software
http://www.slideshare.net/alaasadik/types-of-instructional-software-presentation

Web 2.0

Before this web 2.0 assignment the only one of these websites that I had worked with was Glogster. This assignment taught be a lot. I can now use my new found knowledge in my classroom with my students. We will be using Animoto later this week :-)

VoiceThread - https://voicethread.com/share/4053234/

Glogster - http://bevillea.edu.glogster.com/ed505

Animoto - http://animoto.com/play/uoLpGDsCNA1HgrSduAbMcQ

Week 2 - Does Virtual Life Change Real Life

Does Virtual Life change “real” life?

My answer to this question is YES! Virtual life is changing "real life" interactions daily. The virtual world is a place where you can be whatever you want and do whatever you want when you want. Virtual life can make people feel different that they are and many get to live out fantasies through the virtual world through various websites. 

Virtual life hurts people's communication skills. Many people are using face to face communication much less because they are communicating via the virtual world. This is a hindrance to people that are already shy. Instead of communicating face to face they hide behind their computer screens.

I have also found that virtual life hurts my students writing skills. I am currently an ACCESS Facilitator. I notice that my students automatically type in text format all the time. I have to continuously stress to them that it is acceptable to us that language when chatting with friends over social networks but not when communicating with your teachers. For my classes that I teach I deduct points for text language.

In essence I feel that virtual life will hurt real life only if we allow it to. We have to be sure to continue to communicate face to face and to not use text language when communicating with people other than our friends.

Week 1 - Introduction

Hello!

My name is Angel Beville. I am resident of Demopolis, Alabama. I received my undergraduate degree in Special Education from The University of West Alabama in December of 2011. I am currently pursuing my master's degree in Special Education. I am employed with Marengo County Board of Education as an ACCESS Facilitator at John Essex High School in Demopolis, AL.