Technology for Instruction

Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching Chapters 3 & 4

Five Instructional Software Functions

1. Drill and Practice

2. Tutorial

3. Simulation

4. Instructional Game

5. Problem Solving

Drill and Practice

Learners answer problems and get feedback on correctness Differ in type of feedback and branching (moving ahead to more

advanced questions or back to lower level depending on how questions are answered)

Lower level skills (Bloom’s Taxonomy) Integration Strategies

– Replace worksheets and homework– Prepare for tests – Set time limits– Assign individually– Use learning stations

Example: Math Online, Quia, Worksheet Creator

Tutorial

Like a human tutor by providing information and activities

Summaries, explanation, practice, feedback, and assessment

Integration Strategies– Self-paced reviews– Advanced students– Instruction when teachers unavailable– Assign individually – Learning station

Example: Congress for Kids, Science

Simulation

Models real or imaginary systems to show how those systems work and to demonstrate concepts

Emphasize learning about the system rather than problem-solving Integration Strategies

– Lab experiments– Role-playing– Field trips– Introducing/clarifying a new topic– Fostering exploration– Encouraging cooperative work– Can be used in small groups or whole class

Examples: Simulation Resource List, Flight simulators, SimCity, Oregon Trail, Digital Frog

Instructional Game

Increases motivation by adding game rules to drills and practice or simulations

Integration Strategies– In place of worksheets– Cooperative work– As a reward– Use sparingly– Emphasize content skills

Example: Game Goo by Earobics

Problem-Solving

Teaches steps involved in solving problems Helps learners acquire problem-solving skills Integration Strategies

– To teach and support students in problem solving– Encourage group problem solving– Identify skills desired in process– Stress thinking process

Example: Alien Rescue, Science Topics

Integrated Learning System

The “whole package” Involves all of the previous types of software Most expensive Networked or online systems of instruction Can provide a complete curricula on a topic

area Monitor student progress

Resources

Great information in your text: Top Ten page 101- recommends different

software packages Software Evaluation page 109

Can be simplified Top Ten page 140 – different ways to use basic

three software tools for instruction Tips on Teaching in Chapter 4 – how to teach and

introduce basic three software tools