5 Types of Instructional Software

Software can be a wonderful asset to the education of young minds. Educational software contains colorful graphics and funny characters that will keep students engaged in their learning and help better their coordination skills.  There are five kinds of instructional software: Drill and Practice, Tutorial, Simulation, Instructional Game, and Problem Solving.

Drill and Practice refers to structured and repetitive practice of previously learned concepts. Drill and Practice software benefits students because it provides them with adequate practice so they can transfer learned material into long term memory. Also, computers are private and give students plenty of time to answer the question. This may motivate some students to complete their drills. Also, this type of software gives students immediate feedback so they know whether they got the answer right or wrong.

http://www.aplusmath.com/Flashcards/index.html
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/math/

 Tutorial software provide information and instructional activities to help students master a topic. Like drill and practice software, tutorials provide students with immediate feedback and increase their motivation. A good tutorial will allow the student to learn at their own pace and provide them with appropriate learning activities. Here is a free tutorial website that provides lessons and practice. It also gives them immediate feedback when they answer questions.

http://www.adaptedmind.com/Math-Worksheets.html?gclid=CJ2ao_ia27ACFUZN4AodDDvq2g

Starfall.com

Simulation software provides models of real or imaginary systems that are used to enhance instruction. It is great because it gets the students involved in learning.

There are three types of simulation software. First, physical simulation allows students to manipulate objects to help them learn about completing a task. Second, iterative simulations speed up or slow down a process to the help the student understand it better. Third, procedural simulations teach students steps of a process by providing them with visual models. Fourth, situational simulations teach students how to handle certain situations such as how to operate a business.

http://www.froguts.com/

http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/cow_eye/

Instructional Game Softwares are usually used as rewards or to reinforce a skill. After students have learned a skill, the best way to test their knowledge is through letting them play games. They have to use what they have previously learned if they want to get a high score.  is a wonderful site that allows teachers to create online games based on what they have been going over in class.

http://www.amazon.com/Broderbund-CARMENWORD-Carmen-Sandiego-Detective/dp/B00027Q6YA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340142708&sr=8-1&keywords=carmen+sandiego+word+detective

http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html

http://www.cookie.com/games/viewallgames.html

Classtools.net

 Problem Solving Software provides good hands on experience with skills such as logical sequencing, figuring out relevant information to solve problems. Students will find this type of software interesting as it teaches how to solve various problem solving situations.

http://www.greatmathsgames.com/number/items/33.html

http://pbskids.org/games/problemsolving.html