Integrating Instructional Software
into Teaching and Learning
By: Derek Baker
Texas A&M-Commerce
Hall Director of New Pride Apartments
Overview
Drill and Practice Activities
Tutorial Activities
Simulation Activities
Instructional Games
Problem – Solving Courseware
Integrated Learning Systems
Evaluating and Selecting Instructional Software
Drill and Practice (Kill) Activities
Definition &
Characteristics
Issues Related to Drill
and Practice
– Automatic recall of
arithmetic
– Keyboard proficiency
– Graded compositions
– Many schools still require
students to memorize facts
– College entrance exams &
other standardized tests
require quick recall of many
facts
How to Use Drill and “Kill” in Teaching
Benefits of drill functions
– Immediate feedback
– Motivation
– Saving Teacher time
Classroom applications of drill functions
– Supplement/replace worksheets and homework
exercises
– In preparation for tests
Guidelines for using drill and “kill”
– Set time limits
– Assign individually Use learning stations
Tutorial Activities
Definition &
Characteristics
– Delivers an entire day
worth of teaching just
in another form
Issues Related to
Tutorials
– Well designed
packages
– Cost
How to use Tutorials in Teaching
Benefits of tutorial functions
– Substitutes for teacher presentation
Classroom applications of tutorial functions
– Self-paced reviews of instruction
– Alternative learning strategies
– Instruction when teachers are unavailable
Guidelines for using tutorials
– Make tutorials as a learning station
– Available for checkout
Simulation Activities
Definition &
Characteristics
– A role playing where the
user needs to use critical
thinking skills
Issues Related to
Simulations
– Very young children that
are in the early stages of
their cognitive development
should use one fives
senses compare to the use
of 1 or 2 senses (eyes
and/or ears)
How to Use Simulations in Teaching
Benefits of simulation functions
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Compress time
Slow down processes
Get students involved
Make experimentation safe
Make the impossible possible
Save money & other resources
Repeat w/ variations
Make situations controllable
How to Use Simulations in Teaching (cont.)
Classroom applications of simulation functions
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In place of or as supplements to lab experiments
In place of or as supplements to role playing
In place of or as supplements to field trips
Introducing a new topic
Fostering exploration and process learning
Encouraging cooperation and group work
Guidelines for using simulation functions
– Choose the correct size
– Locate one for topic
Instructional Games
Definition & Characteristics
– Courseware that the function is to increase motivation by adding
game rules to the activity
Issues Related to Instructional Games
– Overused and misused
How to Use Instructional Games in Teaching
– In place of worksheets and exercises
– To foster cooperation and group work
– As a reward
Problem – Solving Courseware
Definition & Characteristics
Issues Related to Problem – Solving Courseware
– Names verses skills
– Courseware claims versus effectiveness
– Possible harmful effects if directed instruction
– The problem of transfer
How to Use Problem – Solving Courseware in Teaching
– Benefits, applications, and guidelines for using directed
strategies with problem-solving courseware
– Benefits, applications, and guidelines for using constructivist
strategies with problem – solving courseware
– Guidelines for using problem – solving software
Integrated Learning Systems
(ILS)
Definition & Characteristics
Issues Related to ILSs
– Cost of ILS
– Research on ILS impact
– Concerns about the role of ILS
How to Use ILSs in Teaching
– Directed applications for ILSs
For remediation
As a mainstream delivery system
– Constructivist applications for ILSs
Evaluating & Selecting Instructional
Software
The Need for Evaluation
Courseware Evaluation Procedures
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Begin with an identified need
Locate titles
Complete hands – on reviews
Collect student reviews
Courseware Evaluation Procedures
Selecting Software for Constructivist Versus
Directed Uses