Instructional Software

Computer Software

This week, computer software is what I'm reading and thinking about.  Instructional computer software is yet another beneficial technology that teachers can use as a valuable resource in their classrooms.  Computer software comes in many different types.  These types of software differ in the manner in which they deliver skills and in the manner in which the user manipulates the software.  The most popular types that are used in educational settings are: drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, instructional games, problem solving, and integrated learning systems.  There are needs for each of these in the classroom.  However, before a teacher chooses a software, he/she should first identify the students' needs and then go from there.  The software will only be effective if it is what the students' need. 

Drill and Practice:  The Quarter Mile Math encourages students to solve math problems quickly in order to increase fact fluency.  In answering math facts quickly, students can put the facts to memory.  The format is set up in a way that motivates children as they work independently.  The motivation comes from fun images that provide positive reinforcement for the children.  The skills progress as the students move through the program.  It's used by parents who home school and by teachers.  In my classroom, I would use it as an intervention tool for those who need extra exposure to addition and subtraction facts.  It could also be beneficial for helping all students put addition and subtraction facts to memory.

Tutorial: Math Tutor Educational Software is designed for students who are learning a mathematical concept for the first time or it can be used as a review of a previously taught skill.  It allows students to work at their own pace.  This software keeps the students' attention with fascinating graphics.  In my classroom, I would use it as an intervention or as a way to advance students in math.

Simulation: Solar System 3D Simulator shows an accurate model of the solar system.  It also shows the planets, sun, and moon in three-dimensional form.  The model can be used for many science applications including demonstrations, experiments, projects, etc.  In my classroom, I would love to incorporate this software into a unit on the solar system.  What better way to learn about the solar system than to experience it in a realistic way such as this!

Instructional Games: JumpStart Phonics-Read & Rhyme  provides teachers with a fun, colorful way to immerse their young readers in phonics instruction.  The software allows the students to practice all of the aspects of phonics (long and short vowel sounds, beginning and ending consonants, diagraphs, blends, and letter and word recognition skills) that are taught in most first grade classrooms.  In my classroom, I would encourage all of my students to participate in this program in center rotations.  

Problem Solving: EMTeachline Mathematics Software covers many mathematical topics for all ages.  The skills range from basic to advanced; therefore, this software is perfect for grades K-12.  The neat thing about this software is that it recognizes the user's weaknesses and goes back and reviews that skill.  Now that is awesome!  I would love to have this software for use with my first graders because the skill of problem-solving is one that needs to be practiced a lot.  I would install it on my computers that are in my computer center for students to manipulate during math center rotations.

Integrated Learning Systems (ILS): Success Maker provides practice in math and reading for elementary, middle, and high school students.  The curriculum in the program follows grade-level standards.  The software teaches lessons and then the students practice.  An awesome component to this software is that teachers are supplied with detailed reports on the students' progress.  We use this software at our school for our students who need intervention in reading and/or math.  It has been very effective with our students.

Google Reader Reference: Sheppard Software  offers a wide array of resources for many subjects and ages.  I mean, there is everything on this site!  There are resources for health, math, science, and many other subject areas.  I am excited to see what I can incorporate into my lessons.  This site is colorful and laid out in a user-friendly manner.  It's great for little learners!  Check this site out and read more about it on the blog, Cool Cat Teacher Blog, under the post titled, "Teach This: Teaching With Lesson Plans and Ideas That Rock."  I'm sure you'll love it.

References:

Features and benefits (2009). In EMTTeachline Mathematics Software. Retrieved from

                 http://www.emteachline.com/eng/index_mainhtm

JumpStart phonics-Read & rhyme (2008). In Software For Kids. Retrieved from

                 http://softwareforkids.com/children-software/preschool/42986.html

Overview (2009). In The Quarter Mile Math. Retrieved from http://www.thequartermile.com/

School versions (2012). In Math Tutor Educational Software. Retrieved from http://www.mathtutor.com/

Solar system 3D simulator (n.d.). In Download.com. Retrieved from http://download.cnet.com/Solar-System-

                 3D-Simulator/3000-2054_4-10477538.html

SuccessMaker: A digital learning curriculum (2013). In Pearson. Retrieved from

                 http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZkBo
 
Teach this: Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock (2013, April 17). Retrieved from
http://www.mentormob.com/learn/i/interactive-whiteboard-resources/sheppard-software-fun-free-online-learning-games-and-activities-for-kids