5 Types of Instructional Software

Chapter 3 of Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching is primarily about using the right instructional software in your classroom to provide students and teachers with assistance in learning and practicing concepts. Here are the five types of instructional software and a brief summary of each:

1. Drill-and-Practice software:  provides students with questions or problems in which they respond to and are either given feedback or allowed to move forward in the program. Two examples I use in my classroom are www.ixl.com and www.brainpop.com.
2. Tutorial software:  provides students with the instruction for the information being presented and allows them to practice the skill. Two examples of this software are www.yourteacher.com and http://congressforkids.net.
3. Simulation software: provides students with access to a simulated model of a system or cycle. Two examples of this type of software are http://www.digitalfrog.com and www.yenka.com.
4. Instructional Game software: provides students with concept practice through the use of a game style component. Two sources for this instruction are http://playinghistory.org and  http://www.spellingcity.com/ and a tool to make your own games for students is www.superteachertools.com.
5. Problem solving software: provides students with practice for critical thinking and problem solving skills. Two resources for this software are http://www.rinkworks.com/brainfood/p/latreal1.shtml and http://www.sharpbrains.com/teasers/brain-games-and-teasers-top-50/.