Using Instructional Software in Teaching and Learning

1
Chapter 4

• Using Instructional Software in Teaching and
  Learning

2
Chapter Topics

• Definitions, issues, integration strategies, and
  example lesson activities based on directional
  instruction
• Definitions, issues, integration strategies, and
  example lesson activities based on constructivism

3
Chapter Topics

• Characteristics and uses of integrated learning
  systems (ILSs) and other technology-oriented
  learning systems
• Criteria and methods for software selection

4
What is Instructional Software?

• Courseware delivers all or part of a students
  instruction
• Developed for the sole purpose of delivering
  instruction
• Developed to support learning activities

5
Types of Instructional Software

• Drill and practice
• Tutorials
• Simulations
• Instructional games
• Problem solving

6
Drill and Practice Definition and Characteristics

• Control over the presentation rate
• Appropriate feedback for correct answers
• Better reinforcement for correct answers

7
How to Use Drill and Practice in Teaching

• Immediate feedback
• Motivation
• Saving teacher time

8
Tutorials Definition and Characteristics

• Uses computer to deliver entire instructional
  sequence
• Usually is a standalone
• Linear and branching
• Has computer-management capabilities

9
Tutorials Definition and Characteristics

• Extensive interactivity
• Thorough user control
• Appropriate and comprehensive teaching sequence
• Adequate answer-judging and feedback capabilities

10
How to Use Tutorials in Teaching

• Self-paced review of instruction
• Alternative learning strategy
• Instruction when teachers are unavailable

11
Simulations Definition and Characteristics

• Physical simulations
• Process simulations
• Procedural simulations
• Situational simulations

12
How to Use Simulations in Teaching

• Supplements to lab experiments
• Supplements to role playing
• Supplements to field trips
• Introducing a new topic
• Exploration/process learning
• Cooperation and group work

13
Instructional Games Definition and
Characteristics

• Courseware whose function is to increase
  motivation by adding game rules to learning
  activities
• Fun and entertaining
• Educational and motivation value
• Physical dexterity

14
Instructional Games Definition and
Characteristics

• Violence or combat
• Gender issues
• Cultural issues
• Ethical issues
• Overuse and misused
• Confused about the game and skill

15
How to Use Instructional Games in Teaching

• In place of worksheets
• To foster cooperation and group work
• As a reward

16
Problem-Solving Courseware Definition and
Characteristics

• Software function that teaches specific steps for
  solving certain problems
• Helps the student learn general problem-solving
  skills

17
How to Use Problem-solving Courseware in Teaching

• Identify problem-solving skills
• Decide on an activity
• Examine courseware
• Determine placement of courseware into teaching
• Demonstrate courseware
• Build in transfer activities

18
ILSs Definition and Characteristics

• Integrated Learning Systems
• Powerful and expensive
• Runs off of a network
• Combination of instructional and management
  software
• Offers a variety of instructional resources on
  several topics

19
How to Use ILSs in Teaching

• Remediation
• Mainstream delivery system

20
Evaluating and Selecting Instructional Software

• Why is it important?
• Who should evaluate?
• How should it be evaluated?

21
On Your Own Exercise

• Software evaluation
• Own content area
• One software