Five Instructional Types of Software

Five Instructional Types of Software
Instructional software- computer programs designed to perform teaching functions, to assist students with instruction on topics, and/or to enhance instructional activities.

1.  Drill and Practice Software programs are designed to provide students with practice on specific skills. These programs provide direct feedback on correct and incorrect answers and can help students transfer newly learned skills into long-term memory. Some examples of these programs include flash card activities, branching drill (moving the student to increasingly more advanced skills), and feedback activities. One specific example is an addition math fact practice site used for practicing addition facts. http://www.mrmyers.org/Math_Mania/ttadd.html

2.  Tutorial Software programs are designed to provide instruction as a self-contained instructional unit where students are able to learn about a topic without extra help or other materials.
Linear tutorials provide explanation of information, practice, and feedback.  Branching tutorials offer more complex information based upon mastery of skills. Students need to read and comprehend fairly well and be able to work independently. One specific example is a multiplication and division "how-to" site designed to provide step-by-step help with multi-step problems. http://www.thinkingblocks.com/ThinkingBlocks_MD/TB_MD_Main.html

3.  Simulation Software programs are computerized models of real or imaginary systems that are designed to teach how the system works.  Students choose tasks and choose what order to do them in. Physical simulations allow students to manipulate processes shown on a screen. Iterative simulations speed up or slow down processes so that students can clearly see events unfold. Procedural simulations show sequences of steps to perform procedures.  Situational simulations provide hypothetical situations where students must respond. One specific example would be for students learning about space technology, they could explore outer space while manning their own space flight operation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVoV7UR6eEs

4.  Instructional Software programs are designed to increase motivation through fun entertaining, competitive games. Teachers use these software games along with other classroom instructional activities to hold student's attention. Instructional games use drills and/or simulations along with game rules. One specific example would be learning rounding in math through a game.  http://www.softschools.com/mathg.jsp

5.  Problem-Solving Software programs are designed to teach problem-solving skills.  It also provides opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content area problems.   The programs provide challenging, interesting links to developing  problem-solving skills or abilities. One specific example would be a space exploration webquest.
http://www.teacherwebquest.com/NF/MUN/ISS/h3.stm

Should computer games be played in school?

As a classroom teacher, I have found that using computer games for reinforcing concepts taught in class can be beneficial. Students find the games to be engaging and challenging. Elementary students seem to be  especially "wired" for learning with technology games. They are useful when planning differentiated instruction or scaffolded instruction as many of the games are tailored to the ability level of the student as they play the game to acheive higher levels of skills.

Wk. 2 Glogster, Concept Map

http://lcorson.edu.glogster.com/edit/animal-research-project/

https://voicethread.com/share/3627179/     

I'm finished, but not without reservations. I enjoyed completing the concept map, and I found that I had very little trouble with the construction of it, but the Glogster assignment was very difficult for me. First of all, everytime I tried to log back into my account it wouldn't let me. I had to recreate a new password each time I wanted to log in. The editing format was a bit confusing because the tutorials were done on a slightly different version than the one I was using. That might not seem like an issue to most folks, but for me (who is pretty much technology illiterate) I had real trouble with it. I do see where I can use the Glogster for my classroom use. Not only could I create engaging assignments for the students to use, but my students can also use it as an alternative to a powerpoint presentation. Making the the movie in Animoto was fun, but I'm not sure that I've uploaded it to where it will work properly when someone clicks on the play button. It worked at home, but not at my school. Maybe that is an issue with the computers? I liked Voicethread, but I want to have more time to learn it better so that my students can apply their voices to a presentation.

Week 1- Introduction

Hello Everyone,
My name is Laurie Corson. I am 47 and currently living in North Alabama with my husband of 30 years and my youngest child (son) who is a senior this school year. I have two grown married daughters ages 28 and 30. I also have three grandchildren - 2 boys ages 10 and  6 and 1 girl who is  3. We are expecting another grandchild in April, but we don't know what it's going to be yet! I am a native of Gulf Coast Mississippi, but moved to N. AL after Hurricane Katrina. My husband's family is from the Hartselle/Decatur area. I work at an elementary magnet school where I've taught fourth grade for the past 7 years. Previously, I have taught 3rd/4th grade multi-age and 3rd grade. I really love where I work. I have desired to earn my masters twice before but certain life changing events such as having a son and going through a hurricane have hindered me from getting it done.  But you know you they say that three times is a charm, so I'm very glad to be going back to school. This is my first online class and my first class towards achieving that goal. I'm a little nervous about the technology part. Sometimes, I feel like a dinosaur as I still use things like manila folders and file cabinets, but this year I did start my own classroom blogspot. I also use a Mobi, Elmo, and other types of technology to teach with. This year we are getting a class set of IPads, so I'm very excited about using those! I know as a teacher, it is extremely important to keep up with new technology, but sometimes I feel that it's all moving so fast that I can't keep up! I can't wait to learn everything I can from this class and am eager to learn from all of you as well. I wish you all the best.