Instructional Software By Matt Barrow Types of instructional

Instructional Software By Matt Barrow

Types of instructional software Drill and Practice Tutorials Simulations Games Problem-solving

Drill and Practice Definition: computer software that is designed to let students work examples with immediate feedback (Roblyer, p. 79) Examples include flash card activities, chart fill-ins, branching drills, and extensive feedback activities Benefits include immediate feedback, increased motivation, and saved time Cons include misuses and a general lack of multi-discipline integration

Tutorial Definition: software that is and entire instructional sequence on a topic (Roblyer, p. 83) Benefits include immediate feedback, motivation, time saving, and self-paced instructional experience Cons are that there is no exploration or creativity involve and it can be difficult to find good software

Simulations Definition: a computerized model of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works There are physical, iterative, procedural, and situational simulations Benefits include slowing down processes, safety, saving money, saving time, and they allow for variations and repetition Cons are that it sometimes replaces hands-on activities

Instructional Games Definition: software products that add game-like rules and completion into learning activities (Roblyer, p. 92) Benefits include high student motivation, fun, problem solving skills, and engagment Cons include confusion, inefficient learning, and classroom barriers

Problem Solving Problem solving software uses simulations and instructional games to teach students how to solve problems even when the solution is not obvious (Roblyer, p. 97) Benefits include visualization, motivation, and it prevents inert knowledge Cons include non-transferable skills and misleading company advertizing

Table of Instructional Software Description Benefits Drill and Practice Students try to answer questions Motivation and get immediate feedback Improves long term retention Tutorial The software teaches students an entire lesson Saves time and money Self-paced Simulation Demonstrates how something works Saves time Slows down processes Makes things safe Allows repetition and variation Instructional Games Software with rules and competition Motivation Attention Problem-Solving Simulations and Games dealing with solving a problem Improves interest and motivation Foster critical thinking