The first type of software is drill-and-practice software. Drill-and-practice software is used in exactly that way, to drill and help the students practice specific examples, typically one question at a time. There are different types of this software, however; in my classroom we use the flash card activity. Everyday during math center rotation, my students are expected to complete their activity on x-tra math. https://www.xtramath.org/ On x-tra math, students complete a number of math facts. The math facts appear one at a time and the student is expected to type in the correct answer. The software then lets to student know if he or she got the answer correct, by showing them a smiley face or wrong, by showing them a red x. The students participate in the drill all year long. Once the student has mastered their addition facts they move on to subtraction, then multiplication, and lastly division. According to Roblyer and Doering, students need to have automaticity of lower skills, such as math facts. Drill-and-practice software provides the practice needed for students to become automatic in prerequisite skills.
The second type of software is tutorial software. "Tutorial software is an entire instructional sequence topic, similar to a teacher's classroom instruction" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 86). Many types of technology are used to enhance a teacher's lesson, however; tutorial software is typically used on its own. There are two types of tutorial software; linear tutorial and branching tutorial. Linear tutorial gives the same type of instruction to all students. Branching tutorial was created with specific agendas in mind. Both types of tutorial software include drill-and-practice activities along with the content they are addressing. This social studies skills tutor, http://www.phschool.com/curriculum_support/ss_skills_tutor/content/pop.html would be a very useful tool when teaching social studies. In my classroom I would use this tool for students to individually practice the skills needed for using maps or the skills needed to have critical thinking in social studies.
The third type of software is a simulation. "A simulation is a computerized model of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.90). There are different types of simulation. One type teaches about something and the other type teaches how to do something. I remember when I was in high school we used simulations for driver education. The simulations made us very involved and gave us a safe environment when learning how to drive. In my classroom I could use simulations in all subjects. However; using simulations for science is very beneficial. When learning about the parts of a plant, and how each part functions, simulations are a useful tool for 2nd grade students. I would use simulations to help introduce new material or to foster exploration within a science lesson. This website http://www.lisd.org/technology/itswebs/elem/curr/science/2sciwebsites.htm has many different simulations that would be useful in second grade.
Another type of educational software is instructional games. Instructional games are exactly how they sound, games that were created with instruction in mind. "A classroom without elements of games and fun would be a dry, barren landscape for students to traverse" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 96). I agree with this statement very much. I think it is very important for teachers to remember that students are still kids, and need time to play. When picking instructional games, the teacher should choose games that aim to meet his or her instructional goal. However; they should also look at what would interest their students. Instructional software is enhancing student learning, but in an engaging way. In my classroom I use instructional games for reading centers, math centers, science, and as a reward. Also, our computer lab teacher allows students to play instructional games during our lab time each week. The PBS Kids website has an abundance of instructional games. Here is a link to science games! http://pbskids.org/sid/games.html
Problem solving software is also a type of educational software. Problem solving software is used to give students the opportunity to practice their problem solving skills, by addressing a variety of problems. Teachers could implement this type of software in their classroom to teach component skills in problem solving strategies, to provide support in solving problems, and to encourage group problem solving. In my classroom I could use a reading sequencing game like this one http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/storyscramble/scramble.html to help students with sequencing stories.
The last type of software that we learned about is integrated learning systems. "Integrated learning systems are networked or online systems that provide both computer-based instruction and track and report on student progress" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, P. 102). In our school all teachers have access to Education City. Education city requires a membership, and the membership is not free. Our school purchased this program because of the valuable information it gives and the wonderful instruction it provides for the students. Education City is a program where teachers can access their class role and assign certain games to each child. This is a great way to differentiate instruction and assign students exactly what type of intervention they need. This program has lessons and activities for reading, language arts, and math. From the lessons and instructional games, teachers are given feedback on each student. The feedback tells the teacher the score of the activity, how long it took the student to complete the assignment, and what the student needs to work on now. The students has to master an activity before moving on. In our school we can access Education City from any computer on our network, therefore; Education City has become a vital tool in our school! http://us.educationcity.com/
Chapters four and five in our text also talk about educational software and software used in other careers. If the software was not enough to learn about technology, these two chapters also discuss software tools, and the reasons for using them. Software tools are important because they increase the speed of productivity, they improve the appearance of work, they help to improve accuracy of work, and they make it easier for colleges to collaborate. Some of these tools are; word processing, spread sheets, presentation programs, material generators, data collection tools, planning and organizing tools, and etc. "These additional materials serve teachers and students in a variety of ways, making possible many kinds of freedom in the classroom" (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, P.140). All in all, we know that technology can be used as a tool in enhance our classroom. From these three chapters I learned specific types of software and tools that will help me with my personal life and with my future students. Technology is all around us, and it is up to us to find the best technology to fit the situation.
5 Great Software Apps if you're working in Business Training or mainstream education http://t.co/SMno8Pc9rh
— Techstore (@techstoreirl) June 22, 2013
What type of educational software do you use in your classroom? #ED505UWARAYReference
— Jessica Owens Taylor (@J_Taylor61811) June 26, 2013
Roblyer, M., & Doering, A. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching Fifth Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon
Hi Jessica, I enjoy reading your blog. I have never hear of Education City it sounds like a great program to have to help enhance your learning instruction, while monitoring your students strengths and weakness academically. I also like how it caters to a student education needs while allowing them to have fun as they learn. Most importantly not allowing them to move ahead until they have master a learning activity.
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