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Using Instructional Software
Rhonda Christensen CECS 4100
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Types of Instructional Software
Drill and Practice Tutorial Simulation Problem Solving Tool Software Programming
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Drill and Practice Software
Prior to 1984 about 75% of educational sofware was drill and practice Easy way to “get started” Easy programs to write Often keep track of student progress
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Drill and Practice Software
Advantages Immediate feedback error analysis techniques Efficient record keeping current progress of each student Motivation Even though perhaps electronic worksheets Can help individualize instruction
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Tutorial Software Concepts are presented followed by the opportunity to practice using that information Guided practice Immediate feedback
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Tutorial Software Advantages Interaction Individualization Efficiency
Adjust pace Student control vs. computer control Branching techniques Intelligent tutoring systems Efficiency
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How to Use Tutorials in Teaching
For self-paced reviews of instruction As an alternative learning strategy To allow instruction when teachers are unavailable advanced students rural areas
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Computer Simulations A representation or model of an event, an object or a phenomenon Simplified model containing essential elements of real thing Power to manipulate aspects of model Ex. Lemonade Stand Decisions, Decisions Carmen series
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How to Use Simulations in Teaching
Compress time Slow down process Get students involved Make experimentation safe Make the impossible possible Save money and other resources Repeat with variations Make situations controllable
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Problem Solving Courseware
Similar to simulation but not necessarily an attempt at a real-life situation Problem solving skills Working backward Breaking a problem into parts Identifying necessary/unnecessary info. Looking for sequence or patterns Visual reasoning
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Tool Software Has become common in education
Word processors, data bases, spreadsheets, graphics programs, hypermedia and stat programs Most can be used in many ways in many disciplines
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Programming Software Most control over computer
Pascal, C++, LOGO, BASIC, FORTRAN Teaching of programming has steadily declined in U.S. schools
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Programming Software Controversial regarding teaching in education
Few will become programmers Learning how to program teaches an awareness of what can be done, etc. Should be used to reach a goal - within curriculum goals
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Integrated Learning Systems (ILS)
Includes instructional software and a management system Operates on a LAN (Local Area Network) Includes pretest, diagnosis of learner’s level, assignments, post-test, reinforcement
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Integrated Learning Systems
Students typically work at their own pace Usually in lab setting May drive rather than support the curriculum Expensive Overuse in U.S.
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Computer Managed Instruction
Teacher’s use of computer to manage instruction gradebook (spreadsheet) newsletters reports clerical management
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Problems with Effective Use of Computers in the Classroom
Teacher training Lack of integration into curricululm Dynamic nature of computing
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Evaluating and Selecting Instructional Software
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Locating Software Vendor catalogs Professional journals Conferences
Online web sites Educational organizations Colleagues
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Evaluating Software Determine what will meet curricular goals and objectives Determine criteria Read reviews Order preview copy Mechanism for inventorying and distributing software
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Criteria for Software Evaluation
Content characteristics Is content accurate? Does the content have educational value? Is the content free of race, ethnic, sex and other stereotypes?
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Criteria for Software Evaluation
Instructional Characteristics Is the purpose well defined? Does it achieve its purpose? Is the presentation of content clear and logical? Is the level of difficulty appropriate for target audience? Are graphics, color, etc. appropriate?
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Criteria for Software Evaluation
Instructional Characteristics (con’t) Is the package motivational? Does it stimulate creativity? Is feedback from students effectively employed? Does the learner control rate and sequence? Is instruction integrated with previous experiences?
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Criteria for Software Evaluation
Technical Characteristics Are user support materials comprehensive and effective? Can intended user easily operate the program? Can teachers easily use the program? Is the program reliable?
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Stay legal with Software
Determine the number of copies your school/district will purchase Follow copyright agreement Consider lab packs, site license
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