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 possible –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