Teaching with Instructional Software

Chapter 3 is about the different types of Instructional Software. Instructional Software packages computer programs designed to deliver or support one more kind of learning activities. There are five functions, those being drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, instructional games and problem solving.  Ways that each of these can meet classroom needs, drill and practice can replace worksheets and homework exercises. Tutorials can alternate learning strategies and instruction when teachers are unavailable to be there. Simulation can be in place for experiments and encourage cooperation and group work. Instructional game this would be to work on group skills and as a reward. And finally problem solving will teach component skills and strategies.

Benefits

Drill and practice:

Motivated students to practice

Gives feedback

Saving teachers time for correcting students work

Tutorial:

Motivated students to practice

Feedback

Saves teachers time

Simulation

Compresses time and slows down processes

Gets students involved

Makes impossible possible

Instructional Games

Fun activities to motivate to spend more time on the topics

Problem Solving

Encourages students to spend more time on those topics

Prevents inert knowledge by illustrating situations in which skills apply