Instructional Software (IS) programs include pictures, sounds, animations, and other various stimuli used to enhance the development of skills such as reading, writing and problem solving. It is defined as computer programs designed to deliver instruction or to assist in the delivery of instruction on a specific topic. This type of software’s sole purpose is to support instruction and/of learning.
FOUR CATEGORIES OF EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
1. TUTORIALS
It is personalized in approach because the pacing is based on the rate of progress of the student. Act like a human tutor by providing the all
information and instructional activities a learner
needs to master a topic, information, summaries,
explanation, practice routine, feedback and
assessment.
Students access an entire instructional program
on a particular topic. It is a stand-alone unit and
does not supplement other instruction.
EXAMPLES:
- AUSIAN
SIGN TUTORIAL- This
system provides an easy-to-use and interactive tutorial for learning the basics
in communicating in the Australian Sign Language. http://auslantuition.csse.uwa.edu.au/
- FOOD HYGIENE - This tutorial is designed to teach students at a
school of medicine a complete course on food hygiene which concerns food and
the prevention off illness and maintenance of health. Uses well-prepared text
supported by pictures, audio and video clips.
- YOUTUBE- This
is an ultimate place for “how to videos”. Science project and many tutorials on
different projects were available. https://www.youtube.com/
2. SIMULATIONS
It provide a controlled learning environment that replicates key elements of real-world environment. Models real or imaginary systems to show how
those systems or similar ones work or demonstrate
underlying concept. Educational software tools that simulate the live
learning experience of the students.
EXAMPLES:
- REAL LIVES- Real lives is a unique interactive life
simulation games that enables you to live one of billions of lives in any
country in the world. Real lives brings to life different cultures, human geography,
political system, economic opportunities, personal decisions, health issues, family
- VIRTUAL DISSECTION- These stimulate dissection of animals for the
purpose of scientific study.
- TATE KIDS STREET ART- Street art offers users a chance to make street art without breaking the law. It provides a brick wall, spray paint of a variety of colors, stencils, customizable stickers, paint buckers, and brushes. This is recommended for users ages 5-7.
3. DRILL AND PRACTICE
It is commonly used to reinforce mastery of specific skills. Allows learners to work problems or
answer questions and get feedback and
correctness. Provides opportunities for students to work
on problems or examples one at a time and
then receive feedback on their
performance.
EXAMPLES:
- ECS KEYBOARD- Enables
student to play notes on the keyboard after seeing them written. It identify
played notes by assessing intervals from played/written notes and playback
written notes quickly.
- MASTER THE FACTS MULTIPLICATION- This program was created in response to teachers to use in their classroom to teach multiplication. Student using Master of Facts Multiplication for as little as ten minutes a day to practice multiplication skills may demonstrate marked improvement in multiplication skills on quizzes and tests.
- QUIZLET- A
Website that allows teacher or students to create and share flashcards. The
students can access the link to set the flashcards and then choose how they
like to study the flashcards.
4. EDUCATIONAL GAMES
It is very popular among students mainly because this type of software challenges and excites them. Increases motivation by adding
game rules and/or competition to
learning activities to drill.
EXAMPLES:
- SAVE THE MATH APPLES - Help the monkey save
the apples! Click on the basket with the number to give the answer. Keep
clicking the basket to add numbers to your answer.
- JUNGLE JIM AND DONA DINGA JUMPS - This interactive game encourages kids to play with numbers and multiplication concept and win points as long as he/she hits the right number.
- WORD SEARCH - It is fun to play but also educational and many teachers make use of them.
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