Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Instructional Software


First let me say that I enjoyed working on this assignment because I founded some interesting software programs that I can incorporate in my class.    These chapters about software were helpful.  In chapter five, I learned about material generator software tools. I actually use Exam View in my class.  It is excellent I cannot live without it.  I did not realize that software was classified in different categories. I think that the drill and practice type of instructional software will be useful in my social studies classes.  Roblyer and Doering describes drill and practice as software functions provide exercises in which students work example items, usually on at a time, and receive feedback on their correctness.  This would be great to help my students review for test.  I am excited about starting my lesson plans for the new school year.


Drill & Practice

Sheppard Software is free educational game website that provides many drill and practice games for social studies and other content area.  www.sheppardsoftware.com This software will help my student’s with practice in geography.  This will also help them prepare for their chapter and unit test.

Tutorial

Talking walls by River deep is a software and literature bundle that takes students through contemporary history by examining famous walls throughout the world.  From this software my students can access Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego Treasures of Knowledge. Students can build their world geography and problem-solving skills while involved in challenging missions, solving puzzles and uncovering stolen treasures.  www.riverdeep.net

Stimulation
Our textbook defines stimulation as “a computerized model of real or imagined system that designed to teach how the system works” (Roblyer & Doering 2010). In this program, Oregon Trail 5th Edition by River Deep want all students to assume the role of various characters as they wagon train across U. S. to reach Oregon and West Coast.  My student can benefit from this software because it builds real-life decision, problem-solving skills, and writing skills.  www.web.riverdeep.net I will use this as extra-credit assignment for early finisher.

Instructional Games
Imperium Romanum by South peak games have instructional games for the class. www.southpeakgames.com   This software puts student’s in the role of Roman provincial governor.  My students can use this program in civics to help them learn where we get the foundation of our government.  This program also contains time-lines and that can give my students practice at reading and writing time-lines.

Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is center around a goal that must be achieved.  Breaking the Code software teaches student how to interpret hieroglyphics. www.superkids.com I can use this in my class I introduce ancient civilization in geography.

Integrated Learning System
I feel that I will benefit the most from integrated learning system in my classroom. “Integrated learning systems are networked or online system that provide both computer-based instruction and track and report on student progress” (Robyler & Doering 2010).  Clickers are an interactive technology that enables teachers to ask students question and immediately collect and view the responses of the class.  Clicker work great in my class.  I can review for test and my students enjoy playing a game.  These sites have questions that work with clickers. www.engaging-techologies.com www.sf.factmonster.com

 

 

3 comments:

  1. I will have to try these links. We use riverdeep in our middle school. Scores have went up since we started it.

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  2. This was my first time getting on the Southpeakgames website. It is great. I think sometimes websites like these are so hard for the students to maneuver through, but this one was very easy. I use Sheppardsoftware and Superkids all the time, they are good websites as well.

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  3. I noticed many of these programs fall into more than one category. I think this shows that software developers are trending more to making integrated learning systems that provide more comprehensive instruction and understand the need to be able to track student progress. I remember when the Oregon Trail game first came out when I was in elementary school I wonder how much it has changed.

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