Educational Software Categories
Tool Software: This software creates a "context" for the users
to accomplish a goal while the user adds the content. (Word, Access, Paint, FrontPage)
Presentation Software: Users can create a series of slides
that present visual and textual information to support a spoken presentation. (PowerPoint)
Computational Tools: This software allow the users to represent
and manipulate things mathematically.
(Excel, C++, Visual Basic)
Problem-Solving Software: Problem-solving
programs have a correct or straightforward answer.
1. One type of problem-solving software identifies a particular problem or set of problems strategies
(i.e. memory, induction, deductions, hypothesizing, matching) and presents repeated examples of the problem to allow students
to experiment with and master particular problem-solving strategies. (Factory, several of the online Quia games)
2. The second presents users with a global problem often requiring a
variety of problem solving strategies-to collect a clue, to rescue a character, etc. (Carmen San Diego)
Simulation Software: This software recreates a "real" or"like
real" situation. The focus of the user is on the recognizing the variables and the rules that govern various interactions.
Generally, there is no right answer. (Oregon Trail, Decisions, Decisions)
***Critique 3 instructional software programs for your Technology Portfolio.***
Classroom Management
Learning Stations Model: Students move
individually or as a team to different computer learning station. Task cards can be setup to help students complete
tasks.
Navigator Model: This model is reminds
me of a cross between "expert" and "jigsaw." One person gets the overview and other other students are given roles.
The students then rotate roles to expereince every phase of learning.
Facilitator Model: The facilitator instructs a core
group of students on the software while the other students in the class gather content. When the content is ready to
be used. The "core" students help the other students with the software as the students input the data. Every student
has an opportunity to work with the computer.
Colloborative Groups Model: Each part of the group is responsible
for creating a component of the final product. One group is responsible for maps, another for the report, another for graphics,
etc.
