Instructional Software

Jerod Dunavant
ED 505
06/24/2013

Instructional Software

1.)  Drill and Practice

Drill and practice software is designed to give students questions or problems. They will receive feedback on wrong and right answers. I find SoftSchools to be very helpful. (http://www.softschools.com/) This website provides drills for pre-k – middle school. SoftSchools has virtually everything I need for math and language arts. Whenever I have a student that needs extra practice in an area I will put them on SoftSchools. I let my students get on SoftSchools occasionally because it is a good change-up from traditional worksheets.

“Since teachers do not have to present or grade drill and practice, students can practice on their own while the teacher addresses other student needs” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013,p. 84). This is a huge benefit we have by using drill and practice software.

2.)  Tutorial

Tutorial software is designed to teach a student without the student needing any other materials. It is in an instructional sequence about a topic. As a student who never really learned how to type I stress it in my classroom. A great source that I use is (http://www.rapidtyping.com/downloads.html). This website has a lot of creative features for typing. During the week I will give my students set time where they work on typing.

 

3.)  Simulation

Simulation is a computerized model of real or imagined system that shows how the system works. (http://www.knowitall.org/nasa/simulations/index.html) is a great website that shows a ton of different math simulations. When we are learning about algebra, ratios, or percentages I will pull these simulations up on the Smart Board and allow my students to watch them before we start our lesson.

4.)  Instructional Games

Instructional games are based on implementing gaming into instruction. Instructional games make drill work enjoyable for students. I often use instructional games for positive reinforcement. One of my favorite instructional game websites is (http://mrnussbaum.com/gamescode/). This website has games for all subject areas for grades pre-k-6^th. I let my students get on this website and play instructional games for good behavior or good grades.

5.)  Problem Solving

Problem-solving is used to exercise student’s critical thinking skills and develop problem-solving skills. I use cool math games to let my students work on problem solving. (http://www.coolmath-games.com/) This is a really fun website that I even catch myself playing. It is fun, but does work on critical thinking, problem solving, and strategy skills. Students do not even realize they are developing problem solving skills. I let students get on this website when we finish our lesson.

6.)  Integrated Learning Systems

Integrated learning systems provide computer based instruction and track student progress. My school uses Destination Success. Some people know it as River Deep. (http://web.riverdeep.net/portal/page?_pageid=818,1384914,818_1384933&_dad=portal) This is a reading and math program that provides one-on-one instruction. It tracks student’s progress and the teacher can see it. We have several classes that spend 40 minutes a day on it.

“Getting organized, producing instructional materials, and accomplishing paperwork tasks all go much faster when software tools are used” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 112). Using a technology tool to do these tasks can free up valuable time that can be rechanneled toward working with students or designing learning activities” (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 113). As a special needs teacher I use software tools whenever possible. My job requires a lot of paperwork and organization skills. It also gives me more time to work with students that are having trouble.

 

REFERENCE

Doering, H. and Roblyer, M. D. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.