Week 3

Instructional Software is a general term for computer programs designed specifically to deliver instruction or assist with the delivery of instruction on a topic. There is 5 instructional software functions: Drill and Practice, Tutorial, Simulation, Instructional Game, and Problem Solving.

• Drill and Practice allows learners to work problems or answer questions and get feedback on correctness. Examples of drill functions are flash card activities, chart activities, extensive feedback activities and branching drills. (Language Arts)

Earobics is a software that gives practice in phonological awareness and other reading skills
http://www.earobics.com/

• Tutorial acts like a human tutor by providing all the information and instructional activities a learner needs to master topic: information summaries, explanation, practice routines, feedback and assessment.

Congress for Kids is a great tutorial that provides instruction on various aspects of US government. It includes assessments to check comprehension and review concepts. (Social Studies)
http://www.congressforkids.net

• Simulation models real or imaginary systems to show how those systems or similar ones work or to demonstrate underlying concepts.

Lemonade Stand is an online flash game that teaches kids how to run a lemonade stand. Students will have control on pricing, quality control, inventory control, and purchasing supplies. (Math)
http://www.coolmath-games.com/lemonade/

• Instructional Game increases motivation by adding game rules to drills or simulations.

Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? OMG, I loved this game. It helped students study history and geography by answering questions which provide clues to where Carmen is hiding. (Social Studies)
http://www.riverdeep.com/

• Problem Solving teaches directly (through explanation and/or practice) the steps involved in solving problems or helps learners acquire problem-solving skills by giving them opportunities to solve problems.

Alien Rescue in this program it helps to teach scientific inquiry. Students must find a new home planet in the solar system to match the needs of different aliens. (Science)
http://www.alienrescue.com/