3.+March+16th+Class

March 16th, 2010 =Teaching with Instructional Software=

Instructional Software- designed specificaly for a specific classroom use

"Learning a concept in isolation is of no value, if it has no relation to who you are, it is just a peice of trivia."

__Functions of Instructional Software__
 * **Drill & Practice**- //a behavioristic approach// with positive and negitive immediate feedback
 * //Power Test//**-** A timed test with x number of problem with x amount of time to complete it; you must know the information without resources to finish it in an hour


 * **Tutorial**- Both linear and branching (or Star and Hub tutorial), //behaviorist appropach//, the are pre instruction, supportive instruction, and summary instruction. they are also good after a unit to review material and connect to next unit.
 * //Linear-// Ex. History is taught in a linear manner, in a linear time frame
 * //Branching//- You hit a topic, and you can branch off to other elements that support the previous topics


 * **Simulation**- the benefits out weigh the limitations by far, but they must always have apropriate intent to enhance the learning process, the smaller the number involved in the simulation-the more effective it is
 * Physical
 * Iterative- sequential events, it is NOT all inclusive
 * Procedural
 * Situational


 * **Instructional Games**- Competition between classmates, should be used to instruct- but can also be used to foster bahvioral & social connections.


 * **Problem Solving**- Group problem solving is better then individual problem solving
 * Constructivist approach (see this slide for definition)
 * Trying to teach students how to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate.
 * Teaches students how to identify, and anlyze cause and effect relationshiops and the absense of them. This is done by giving students activity after acticity of analytical activity, then teaching them how to analyze what they have learned and puttng it in a new situation.

A repetitive nature, of advanced difficulty building upon prior knowledge (behaviorist & constructivist) was the basis of the idea for instructional software

__Recent Trends__
 * Internet
 * Web 2.0 Tools
 * Directed stratagies and networked systems
 * **Integrated learning systems (ILS)**- [|hardware]/[|software] solutions designed to deliver instructional content. The effective delivery of that content is measured, monitored, and maintained with an array of assessment and management tools that may also be part of that system.
 * Something that you can plug into your curriculum that was designed somewhere else. Ex. Alien software
 * A lot instructional software falls into this category; problem soving is the only category that probably would not in most cases.
 * Often supplemental- it enhances the instruction & experience that you are able to give to your students.
 * Guidelines for ILS on slide!

=Teaching with Software Tools: Beyond the Basic Programs=

The improve the quality and appearance of instruction!

__Types of Support Tools__
//(Examples of what could be in your tool kit #1)//
 * **Material generators**- Publishing software, test/ worksheet/ puzzle generators, IEP generators, Graphic document makers


 * **Data collection and analysis tools**- Electronic gradebooks, Student information systems, Computer-based testing, Student response system
 * Computer-based testing (CAT)- tests that you can find online


 * **Graphics tools**- drawing and painting programs, Image editing tools, digital and video development, clip art, animation, sound, graphing, etc.


 * **Planning and orginization tools**- outlining tools, leson planning software (Thinkport), sched. & time maagment tools


 * **Research and refernece tools**- electronic encyclopedias, electronic atlases and mapping tool, electronic dictionaries


 * **Content area Specific tools**
 * CAD systems- computerized drawing
 * MIDI tools- music tools, Music editors & sequencers
 * Probware- Microcomputer based labs (MBL)
 * Graphic Calculators- Calculator based labs (CBL)
 * GPS & GIS Systems - Global positioning and geographic information systems

Resources:
 * []- Sixth grade science game
 * Online Stockmarket/ The Great Depression game
 * Rainforest SImulation: burst of air for sundden noises, mist when it would rain
 * [|www.superkids.com] - analyze and create software
 * []