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