Instructional Software Week 5

Instructional software can provide an instuctional advantage for students.  Not only are students learning, but they are usually having fun because they enjoy working on the computer!  Every class in my school has computer time every week.  During this class, students work on some type of skill through instuctional software.  There are many different kinds of instructional software that can be used and we'll take a look at some examples of each.

Drill and Practice- I teach third grade.  In math, we learn multiplication! Students must become fluent with the multiplication facts before moving to fourth grade.  There are many websites and instruction software that can be used.  On free one is from the Resource Room.  This site had many different options for students to practice multiplication facts and gives them feedback on how they've done.  This resource could be used during math centers or computer lab time.

Tutorial- Tutorial Programs walk students through a lesson and actually teach them the concept.  A tutorial program we use at my school is Riverdeep.  This program allows me to assign modules to indivdual students or the class.  Riverdeep gives interactive instuction on the skill and allows for practice.  Students enjoy this program.  This program is used during computer lab, center,s and for RTI for reteaching. 

Simulation- In third grade, we study the human body.  During this science unit, we compare animal bones to human bones to see how they are similar.  One thing we do is dissect an owl pellet.  Most of the students really enjoy this; it is great to see them get into it so much!  To use during centers, or for those students who are absolutely terrified, we do have a virtual simulation of dissecting an owl pellet.  The website is here.  This is exactly what we do in class; dissect an owl pellet and but the bones back together!

Instructional games- Instructional games have many uses in the classroom.  It may be a quick one that can be done during a lesson on the SMART board, or it may be a longer on done for review of a test.  Instructional games are also used daily in my classroom on the computers during centers.  I use them for every subject!  On game we like to play is classroom Jeopardy.  This is not an online game.  We have the jeopardy classroom package.  Each child gets a controller and has an electronic scoreboard.  The game is displayed on  a screen.  It is played just like real jeopardy-- with daily doubles, final jeopardy, and everything!  Here is the website to learn more about it. 

Problem Solving- In order to succeed in the 21st century world, students need to become excellent problem solvers.  There are some great problem solving software games that can be used to help inhance this skill.  One is Mind Benders.  This game presents puzzles for students to solve.  There is a story to read and students must use their problem solving skills to get the answer!

Integrated Learning Systems- A perfect example of integrated learning systems software is the new program the state of Alabama purchased, Global Scholar. This software provides math and reading practice for students.  A test can be give three times a year to see how each student has grown.  You can look at each standard and see where a student needs more work.  More work in that area can be assigned and the student can work on it during centers or computer lab time.  This is a great resource the state of Alabama purchased for its teachers and should be used by all! 

While reading A Media Specialist's Guide to the Internet on Googler Reader, I came across a great use of software for science teachers.  There is an interactive lesson that shows the effects of drugs on mice linked to this blog.  Mouse Party is the name of the software and would be great to use with high school students to show to effect of drugs! 


Jennifer