The following is a summary of the main points covered in this chapter.
- Types of instructional software: Instructional software packages are computer programs designed specifically to deliver or support one or more kinds of learning activities. These programs can serve one or more of the following five functions:
- Drill and practice — Students work example items, usually one at a time, and receive feedback on their correctness. See Transparent Software's Before You Know It series for some good examples of software products that include drill functions.
- Tutorial — These provide an entire instructional sequence similar to a teacher's classroom instruction on a topic. See tutorial products available from the American Education Corporation to help students prepare for important state and national tests. Note that each software title is correlated to state and national curriculum standards.
- Simulation — These are computerized models of real or imagined systems that are designed to teach how the system works. See examples of some of the most popular simulation software titles for: business mathematics (e.g., Hot Dog Stand by Sunburst), social studies (e.g., Decisions, Decisions 5.0 by Tom Snyder, a Scholastic Company; and the SimCity series by Maxis, Inc.), and science (PhysLink, Inc. and Chemistry Software.com.)
- Instructional game — These activities are designed to increase motivation by adding game rules and/or competition to learning activities. Probably the most famous instructional games are: Math Blaster®, available from Education.com; and the Carmen Sandiego® series, available from riverdeep.com.
- Problem solving — These programs serve one of three purposes: (1) foster component skills involved in solving problems, (2) teach or provide practice in general approaches to problem solving, or (3) teach or provide opportunities to practice solving various problems in specific content areas. See Riverdeep's Thinkin' Things Collection and Zoombinis Series and Sunburst's Factory Deluxe for good examples of problem solving software.
- Integrated learning systems: These products offer computer-based instruction and other resources to support instruction, along with summary reports of student progress through the instruction; all are provided through networked or online sources. Now often referred to as "software solutions" or "technology solutions," the top software solutions or ILS companies are:
- Compass Learning Systems. See assessment system features they offer to help teachers diagnose and remedy student deficits.
- Pearson Digital Learning. SuccessMaker Enterprise uses more directed strategies, while KnowledgeBox takes a more constructivist approach.
- PLATO Learning. They offer both assessment solutions and accountability solutions.
- Rennaisance Learning. They offer professional development options to help teachers use their products more effectively.
- Using instructional software to meet classroom needs: Instructional software functions can meet each of the following classroom needs. Look at the company websites given above for examples of packages that can address each of these needs:
- Drill and practice — Supplementing or replacing worksheets and homework exercises, preparation for tests
- Tutorial — Self-paced reviews of instruction, alternative learning strategies, and instruction when teachers are unavailable
- Simulation — In place of or as supplements to lab experiments, in place of as supplements to role-playing, in place of or as supplements to field trips, to introduce or clarify a new topic, to foster exploration and problem solving, and to encourage cooperation and group work
- Instructional games — Use in place of worksheets and exercises, to teach cooperative group working skills, and as a reward
- Problem solving — To teach component skills in problem solving strategies, provide practice in solving problems, and to encourage group problem solving
- Planning lesson activities that integrate instructional software: To see examples of lessons that can serve as models for how best to integrate instructional software, see the Technology Integration Workshop DVD that accompanies this text. (Search by software function.) Companies that market instructional software often provide lessons that illustrate how to integrate their products. For example, see Riverdeep's lesson projects.
- Evaluation of instructional software: Courseware evaluation is reviewing software according to set criteria in order to determine its quality and appropriateness for a given instructional purpose. To accomplish this, teachers use a set of essential criteria that focus on: instructional design and pedagogical approach, content, user interface, and technical soundness. They may also use optional criteria to help them decide between two or more packages that meet basic criteria. These focus on: Instructional design, interface/navigation, teacher use, presentation, technical, and publisher support. Software evaluation criteria and procedures vary but all have many criteria in common. See evaluation checklists offered by the following organizations and compare them with the ones offered in this chapter:
- The California Learning Resource Network
- The SuperKids Web Site
