Instructional Software
Deborah Lyman
EdTech 541
Summer 2012
By PresenterMedia.com
What is instructional
software?
Instructional software is defined by Doering and Robyler (2013)
as software that is “designed… to deliver instruction or to aid in
the delivery of instruction” (pg 77).
What is instructional
software?
Taken from Doering and Roblyer (2013)
Drill and
Practice
Tutorials
Designed to give students practice solving skills. These programs
usually give immediate feedback.
Designed as stand alone lessons, these programs are usually used
to replace instruction rather than be used as an add-on to teacher
instruction.
Simulations
This software is used to simulate real-world experience. They
either teach how to do something or about something.
Educational
Games
These games are created to add competition and game-like rules
to learning activities.
ProblemSolving
Software
This software is focused on developing content-specific problem
solving skills.
What is relative advantage of
instructional software?
Software should always have a positive impact on student
achievement.
Types of Drill and Practice
•
•
•
Flash card activity – Basic drill and
practice activity in which the student
sees a problem and then chooses or
fills in the answer, usually timed
activities
Chart fill-in activity – In these activities
the students are asked to answer
multiple questions by filling in a chart,
usually timed activities
Branching drill – In these activities the
questions get progressively harder
based on correct answers to
prerequisite skills
Relative advantage of Drill and Practice
•
•
•
•
•
Improve automaticity of basic skills
such as word fluency and math fact
fluency
Does not require teacher direction, can
be used independently of the
instructor
Gives immediate feedback to students
Usually include a reporting system for
teachers to be able to track student
progress
Motivate students to practice skills
Examples of Drill and Practice Software
•
•
•
•
Fastt Math – Scholastic program aimed
toward math fact fluency
Mavis Beacon Typing – Keyboarding
software by Broderbund
Spell Quizzer – Software to drill
students on spelling words
Grammar Shape-Up – Software created
by Merit to practice grammar skills
Types of Tutorials
•
•
Linear Tutorial – These tutorials use the
same sequence, practice, and feedback
to all learners regardless of the
student’s performance
Branching Tutorial – These tutorials
change in sequence and difficulty
based on the student’s performance
Relative advantage of Tutorials
•
•
•
•
•
Self-paced review of materials for
students who need extra support
Can be used in centers, allowing
teachers to maximize time efficiency
Can be used to present information if
the teacher is not available
Gives students a chance to hear
instruction from alternative sources
Can be used in a flipped-classroom
Examples of Tutorials
•
•
Math Tutor – Tutorials aligned with
Common Core Standards of
Mathematics
Core Learning – Company that has
created tutorial software for multiple
disciplines
Simulations
Teach about
something
Physical
Simulations
Iterative
Simulations
Teach how to do
something
Procedural
Simulations
Situational
Simulations
Teach about something
Physical
simulations
Iterative
Simulations
Teach how to do
something
Procedural
simulations
Situational
Simulations
Relative advantage of Simulations
•
•
•
•
Allow students to experience something
that would not normally be possible due to
monetary or physical restraints
Highly engaging for students
Encourage higher levels of critical thinking
and problem solving skills
Allows students to experience complex
experiments and processes
Examples of Simulation Software
•
•
•
Starry Night – This software simulates
different astronomical concepts
Layered Earth – Simulates earth science
processes
Oregon Trail – Simulates the journey of
early pioneers as they crossed the United
States
Educational Games
Combining learning with
gaming and entertainment
Relative Advantage of Educational Games
• Highly
engaging, requires
little teacher direction
• Gives students a break from
the “normal” school
routine
• Presented in a format very
familiar to most students
Examples of Educational Games
Knowledge Adventure – This
company created games such as
Reading Blaster, Math Blaster and
others
• Learning Company – This company
created games such as Reader Rabbit,
Reader Math and others
•
Types Problem-Solving Software
•
•
Content-Area problem solving skills – This
software focuses on learning problemsolving skills needed in a specific content
area
Content-Free problem solving skills – This
software focuses on general problem
solving skills that can be applied across the
curriculum
Relative Advantage of Problem-Solving
Software
•
•
•
Helps students visualize the process of
problem solving in a unique environment
Highly engaging to students as they receive
feedback and work through complex
problems successfully
On their own so they are not
overshadowed by other students “correct
answers”
Choosing Educational Software
How will you use the software in your classroom?
Does it scaffold for students who may need more
assistance?
Is it research based?
Does it have an appealing format that will engage students?
Is there instructional value?
Is it student friendly?
Websites to help evaluate and choose
educational software
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•
•
Technology Today
Software evaluation web quest
Evaluation Form
References
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•
Reinberg, S. (2010, January 20). U.S. Kids Using Media Almost 8 Hours
a Day. BusinessWeek: Lifestyle. Retrieved from
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/635134.ht
ml
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating educational
technology into teaching. Boston: Pearson.