Teaching With Instructional Software Software

Drill and Practice

Characteristics to/ Benefits

Characteristics Responds to student input Adjustable presentation speeds Often multiple choice Benefits Instant feedback Increased motivation Time efficiency

Uses/Guidelines
Uses Replacement for homework or worksheets Test-prep Guidelines Set time limits of 10-15 mins. Assign individually Use as learning station

Examples
Examples Flash card activities Vocabulary Spelling City http://www.spellingcity.com/ high-school-mathvocabulary.html Branching Drill http://freerice.com/#/basicmath-pre-algebra/16837 Extensive Feedback

Tutorials

Characteristics Interactive Include practice opportunities User control of settings Record keeping system Graphics match content Has answer judging/ feedback capabilities Benefits Self-contained Self-paced Instant feedback Increased motivation Time efficiency

Uses Self-paced instruction review Alternative learning strategies Fill in instruction Guidelines Assign individually Use in learning stations or for individual checkout

Examples Linear tutorials http://www.bagatrix.com/ http://homeschool.kineticboo ks.com/books/algebraI/05_Gr aphing%20and%20Linear%20 Equations/5/31/sp.html Branching tutorials

Simulations

Characteristics Teaches about something or how to do something Model of real or imagined systems Types of simulations physical, iterative, procedural, situational Benefits Compresses or slows processes time Increase student involvement Makes experimenting safe Makes for impossible possible

Uses Lab experiments Role playing Field trips Introduce/clarify new topics Exploration and process learning Encourage group cooperation Guidelines Use with whole class, individually, or in small groups

Examples Physical simulations Interactive simulations http://www.brightideassoftw are.com/Pebbles/PebblesUI.a spx http://moneytalks4teens.ucda vis.edu/games.cfm?std=8

Save resources and money Allows repetition with variation Allows observation of complex systems

Instructional Games

Characteristics Rules Competition/ challenge Entertaining Socially appropriate High instructional value Benefits Engage students Increase retention Appeals to students innate desire to compete

Uses In place of worksheets or exercises Teach cooperative skills Rewards Guidelines Choose games that appeal to both girls and boys Ensure content area is emphasized Assess for learning

Examples http://homeschool.kineticboo ks.com/books/algebraI/02_Op erations%20with%20Real%20 Numbers/6/47/sp.html

Applications

Characteristic Tools for problem solving Links to developing a specific problem solving skills Require students to follow logical sequence w/out jumping to conclusions Benefits Challenges motivate students to dig deeper Prevents passive knowledge Increased motivation

Uses Teach part of a problem-solving strategy Support problem solving Encourage problem solving Guidelines (Directed teaching) 1. Identify desired skills 2. Choose activity for skills exploration 3. Determine where the application fits in 4. Demonstrate application and make students aware of how the skills transfer (Constructivist) 1. Allow time for exploration 2. Differentiate the amount of directions 3. Encourage reflective learning/ discussion 4. Emphasize thinking process vs. correct answers 5. Draw connections between application and real world situations 6. Students work in pairs/ small groups 7. Use performance based assessment rather than paper pencil.

Examples http://itunes.apple.com/us/a pp/graphingcalculator/id289940142?mt=8 # http://itunes.apple.com/us/p odcast/mental-math-secretsyoursecret/id372386413?mt=2&ig n-mpt=uo%3D4