Five Types of Instructional Software

Week 3:

“Drill & Practice” software allows newly learned information to be transferred into long-term memory.  This type of software is particularly popular among teachers who work with students who have learning disabilities.  This type of software is well liked because it gives immediate feedback, which does not require the teacher to grade.  This type of software is motivating for students because they get to use the computer.

“Clicker 4” is a program I use with students for drill and practice.  It helps students with reading and writing.  Students who can’t simply read the words can listen to the words read aloud to them by the program if they are unable to read them.  I like this program because it reaches all types of learners.

http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/Tutorials/clicker4/index.php

“Tutorial Software,” a self-contained instruction, is used in place of a supplement to other instruction.  Students should be able to learn without the help of other materials.  This particular software should address all 9 instructional events.

“Whizz Education” provides fun math games that are interactive.   The animated math games also provide a unique tutoring method.

http://www.whizz.us/

“Simulated Software” is a software that allows learners to choose a task to do and also the order in which they want to perform those tasks.  There are two main types of simulation:  those that teach something and those that teach learners how to do something.

“Primary Games” has math games, reading games, puzzles,  printable coloring pages, along with many other games which are free:

http://www.primarygames.com/arcade/simulation.php

“Instructional Games” have game-like rules and are used to increase student motivation and are designed to be an entertaining form of instruction. 

*My favorite from among the “instructional games” is the Easy Jeopardy Template by Elaine Fitzgerald:

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/technology_tutorials/powerpoint_game_templates_technology_tutorials.htm

“Problem Solving Software” is designed to teach problem solving skills to learners and is directed to challenge learners to achieve a goal when a solution is not obvious.  Three of the components are: recognition of a goal, recognition of a process that will help one reach one’s goal, and a mental activity:

https://www.selectsoftnow.com/software/Problem-Solving-Strategies_-Primary-Grades-2_3

http://www.athens.edu/vinsobm/Elementary%20Mathematics%20Specific%20Software.htm