1) Drill
and Practice- This method allows
learners to work problems or answer questions and get feed back on correctness.
The feedback is usually as simple as
“OK” or “No Try Again”. There are many
benefits to this software. A few are
that it gives immediate feedback, its motivating because the kids enjoy being
on the computer, and it saves the teacher time.
Teachers can use this software for the replacement of worksheets or even
as homework. The best way might even be
to help the student prepare for test.
2) Tutorial- This method is most a teachers classroom
instruction. It is usually used as the
unit of teaching and not as a supplement.
Gagne said that good tutorial software should address all nine
instructional events. There are 2 categories when talking about tutorials. The first is Linear, its simple and gives the
same instruction and feedback to everybody in the class. Branching is a little more complex. It directs students on different paths based
on the answers that students gives.
The tutorials should not replace
the teachings form the teacher. It can
be used as a review of the instruction, another learning strategies and can be
used when the teacher is not available.
3) Simulation-
This is best described as a computerized model of a real or imagined
system that is designed to teach how the system works. Most simulations make the student choose tasks
to do or the order in which to do them.
There are 2 mail types of simulations, Ones that teach about something
and one that’s teaches how to do something.
Simulations that teach about
something are usually physical or iterative.
Simulations that teach how to do something are usually procedural or
situational. The best benefit has been in the field of
science. But that doesn’t mean that the
other subject are left out. There are
many benefits to using simulations. A
few examples are that they compress time, it gets the students involoved, it
makes experiments safe, makes the impossible become possible, it saves money
and resources, and it allows for students to understand complex processes.
4) Instructional
Games- Most students like these the
most. They have appealing formats and
activities and good instructional value.
Plus the students feel like they are planning games but they are actually
learning. This should not be an everyday
occurrence but it is good for a reward.
The main benefit form these games are that it makes the classroom fun
and the students want to learn. The main
way these games are incorporated into the classroom is in place of worksheets,
to help teach cooperative group working skills and the big on is s an
award.
5) Problem-Solving- This is made up mostly of simulations and instructional games. The problem solving software is used for providing opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content area problems. If a student is having a hard time in one subject this might be a good software to use to help them. Some benefits to this software is that it helps improve interest and motivation and also prevents inert knowledge. Teachers may use this software to teach component skills, provide support in solving problems and it also encourages problem solving.
