Instructional+Software+Definitions

Instructional Software
About this project

Instructional software is loosely defined as computer programs designed to deliver instruction or to assist in the delivery of instruction on a specific topic. This type of software's sole purpose is to support instruction and/or learning. According to __Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching__ (Roblyer 5th Ed.), instructional software falls into five basic categories. These categories are briefly defined from the Roblyer text.

Drill and Practice (Skill Practice)
Drill and Practice software allows learners to work problems or answer questions and receive feedback on their correctness. Programs may vary on the type of feedback provided in conjunction with the learner's input.

Drill functions include:
 * Flash card activity - basic drill and practice function, similar to real world flash cards
 * Chart fill-in activities - learners fill in an entire set of answers by completing a chart on a timed basis
 * Branching drill - more sophisticated form of practice where students advance through different levels of questions after they get a selected number of questions correct to display their mastery of a skill
 * Extensive feedback activities - students receive detailed feedback on why they got a problem wrong. This drill is usually reserved for practice after instruction.

Software:
 * A+ Math offers interactive games, flashcards, and worksheets for work on- and off-line.
 * Chemistry Drill and Practice Tutorials is an example of interactive on-line drill and practice.
 * [|SuperKids Math Worksheet Creator] allows teachers to create math worksheets on-line then print them for use with their students.
 * StudyStack allows teachers to locate flashcards on a variety of subjects or create their own for further practice.

Relative Advantage(s): The game-style approach engages learners and motivates them to practice. Additionally, they save time for the instructor and provides the student immediate feedback.

Tutorial (Information Delivery)
Tutorial software acts like a human tutor by providing all the information and instructional activities a learner needs to master a skill or topic; information summaries, explanation, practice routines, feedback, and assessment. Tutorials are self-contained instructional units rather than supplemental to other instruction.

Tutorials are often categorized into two groups:
 * Linear tutorial - A simple, linear tutorial gives the same instructional sequence of explanation, practice, and feedback to all learners regardless of individual performances.
 * Branching tutorial - A more sophisticated tutorial that directs learners along alternate paths and outcomes depending on the mastery of certain functions and answers to questions.

Software:
 * lynda.com Software training & tutorial video library. Lynda.com offers online courses to help you learn critical skills. Free access & previews on hundreds of tutorials.
 * U.S government tutorials Using appealing, full-color illustrations, and engaging activities, //Congress for Kids// will extend your learning in the basics about the American federal government**.**
 * [|w3schools.com] //w3Schools// is a web developer's portal, with tutorials and references relating to web development subjects, including HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and ASP.

Relative Advantage(s): The tutorial approach engages learners and motivates them to practice. Additionally, they save time for the instructor and provides the student immediate feedback. Tutorials offer self-contained and self-paced instructional units.

Simulations (Demonstration and Exploration)
Simulations are real or imaginary system models that show how those systems or similar ones work or to demonstrate underlying concepts. Learners have more freedom to choose which tasks to do and what order to complete them.

Tutorials are categorized into two groups: Software:
 * Simulations that teach about something
 * Simulations that teach how to do something
 * Procedural simulations teach the appropriate sequence of steps to perform certain tasks.
 * Situational simulations provide the learner hypothetical problems or situations and ask them how to react.
 * The Stock Market Game //The Stock Market Game//™ (//SMG//) gives students the chance to invest a hypothetical $100000 in an on-line portfolio. They think they're playing a game.
 * Cell Craft CellCraft is a realistic cellular //simulation// that challenges players to learn about and manipulate a cell and its various components in order to survive.
 * History Globe History Globe uses historical data to help students learn about the Jamestown Colony in 1600's America.

Relative Advantage(s): Simulation software compresses time or slows down processes. Additionally, it gets the learner involved in a safe controlled environment. Simulations can make the impossible possible, while saving money and resources in the long run. This type of software allows for repetition with variation and observation of complex processes.

Instructional Games (Skill Practice and Exploration)
Instructional games increase motivation by adding game elements and rules to drills or simulations. This category differs from drill-and-practice and simulation software because of the entertainment aspect and the potential for competition and winning.

Software:
 * Playing History //Playing history// aggregates info on these resources in a simple, searchable database.
 * FunBrain //FunBrain// is the #1 site for online educational games for kids of all ages. (math, grammar, science, spelling, history)
 * Math Playground Website offers action-packed games for learning elementary math concepts through more advanced subjects.
 * [| Smart Kids Software] The Super Science Show is an instructional game for 3-5 graders. It reviews the topics: Plants, Animals, The Human Body, Health, Weather, The Earth, Matter, Energy, The Universe.

Relative Advantage(s): Instructional games provide fun avenues for learners to spend additional time learning about a specific subject or topic.

Problem-Solving Programs (Skill Practice and Exploration)
Problem-solving games teach directly through practice and explanation the step necessary for problem solving or acquiring the problem solving skills by providing the opportunities necessary to solve problems.

Software:
 * Criticial Thinking Publisher of //critical thinking// products for home and classroom use in mathematics, science, language arts, and history.
 * Learn 4 Good Website offers free online puzzle, critical thinking, and logic games for children in Grade K-12.
 * Cookie Cookie offers a wide variety of online educational //games// and //activities// for kids, which stimulate their senses and add to their development.
 * Kids Numbers Fun and challenging addition //games// designed to strengthen the //math skills// of your //students//.

Relative Advantage(s): Problem-solving software challenges learners to spend more time learning about a topic. It also prevents inert-knowledge by showing situations in which skills apply.

Educational Resources

 * [|http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/sci-tech/scicom.html]
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