Integrating Instructional Software into Teaching and Learning By

Integrating Instructional Software into Teaching and Learning By: Derek Baker Texas A&M-Commerce Hall Director of New Pride Apartments

Overview Drill and Practice Activities Tutorial Activities Simulation Activities Instructional Games Problem – Solving Courseware Integrated Learning Systems Evaluating and Selecting Instructional Software

Drill and Practice (Kill) Activities Definition & Characteristics Issues Related to Drill and Practice – Automatic recall of arithmetic – Keyboard proficiency – Graded compositions – Many schools still require students to memorize facts – College entrance exams & other standardized tests require quick recall of many facts

How to Use Drill and “Kill” in Teaching Benefits of drill functions – – – Immediate feedback Motivation Saving Teacher time Classroom applications of drill functions – Supplement/replace worksheets and homework exercises – In preparation for tests Guidelines for using drill and “kill” – Set time limits – Assign individually Use learning stations

Tutorial Activities Definition & Characteristics – Delivers an entire day worth of teaching just in another form Issues Related to Tutorials – Well designed packages – Cost

How to use Tutorials in Teaching Benefits of tutorial functions – Substitutes for teacher presentation Classroom applications of tutorial functions – – – Self-paced reviews of instruction Alternative learning strategies Instruction when teachers are unavailable Guidelines for using tutorials – Make tutorials as a learning station – Available for checkout

Simulation Activities Definition & Characteristics – A role playing where the user needs to use critical thinking skills Issues Related to Simulations – Very young children that are in the early stages of their cognitive development should use one fives senses compare to the use of 1 or 2 senses (eyes and/or ears)

How to Use Simulations in Teaching Benefits of simulation functions – – – – Compress time Slow down processes Get students involved Make experimentation safe Make the impossible Save money & other resources Repeat w/ variations Make situations controllable

How to Use Simulations in Teaching (cont. ) Classroom applications of simulation functions – – – In place of or as supplements to lab experiments In place of or as supplements to role playing In place of or as supplements to field trips Introducing a new topic Fostering exploration and process learning Encouraging cooperation and group work Guidelines for using simulation functions – Choose the correct size – Locate one for topic

Instructional Games Definition & Characteristics – Courseware that the function is to increase motivation by adding game rules to the activity Issues Related to Instructional Games – Overused and misused How to Use Instructional Games in Teaching – – – In place of worksheets and exercises To foster cooperation and group work As a reward

Problem – Solving Courseware Definition & Characteristics Issues Related to Problem – Solving Courseware – Names verses skills – Courseware claims versus effectiveness – Possible harmful effects if directed instruction – The problem of transfer How to Use Problem – Solving Courseware in Teaching – Benefits, applications, and guidelines for using directed strategies with problem-solving courseware – Benefits, applications, and guidelines for using constructivist strategies with problem – solving courseware – Guidelines for using problem – solving software

Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) Definition & Characteristics Issues Related to ILSs – – – Cost of ILS Research on ILS impact Concerns about the role of ILS How to Use ILSs in Teaching – Directed applications for ILSs For remediation As a mainstream delivery system – Constructivist applications for ILSs

Evaluating & Selecting Instructional Software The Need for Evaluation Courseware Evaluation Procedures – – Begin with an identified need Locate titles Complete hands – on reviews Collect student reviews Courseware Evaluation Procedures Selecting Software for Constructivist Versus Directed Uses