5 Types of Instructional Software

There are 5 types of instructional software. They are drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, instructional game, and problem solving. Instructional software has been around for about 50 years. They help children learn other than using a text book or listening to a lecture. Many times instructional software can engage a child and help them learn without the child knowing that they are learning. Because pencil and paper is not being used the child may view this way of learning as more fun, and therefore being more willing to participate and play the game. In this blog I will discuss and give examples of each of these 5 types of instructional software.

The first type is Drill and Practice. Drill and Practice software allow a child to work a problem and will give them instant feedback. Some items allow a child to can give a child an answer such as "Correct" if an answer was correct or "No" if the answer was innocrrect. Others may produce a graphic to let the child know if they were right or wrong. Sometimes an explination may be give if the child answered incorrectly.Drill and Practice can help students with their automaticity. This can especially be important in reading and for basic math facts. Students must know the basics so that they can use higher order thinking skills. There is a time and place for Drill and Practice. Students do not need to only learn by way of Drill and Practice. Examples of Drill and Practice are flash cards, chart fill-in-activities, and branch drilling. You can find an example of a Drill and Practice game here.

The second type is Tutorial. Tutorials are similar to a teachers lesson in class in that is gives the entire sequence on a particular topic. Tutorials are a true teaching methos because students should be able to learn the material without the help or support of any other materials.  Tutorials are generally geared toward older learners that are able to read and guide themselves.  Some tutorials may even include some Drill and Practice activities but do not soley rely on them. An example of a Tutorial can be found here.

The third type of instructional software is Simulations. A Simulation gives a computerized model of how a real system would work.  There are two main types of simulations, those that teach about soemthing, and those that that teach you how to do something. Simulations that teach you about soemthing are then broken into two parts: Physical simulations and Iterative simulations.  Simulations can allow a student to recreate an event or do it many times over, where in real life they would not be able to do that due to time, lack of materials or funding.  Many times students do not have access to certain situations and a Simulation can allow a student to participate despite how dangerous an activity may be, and it can slow down time allowing the learner as much time needed as possible. You can find an example of a Simulation here.

The fourth type are Instructional Games. Instructional Games add an element of fun to learning. Because students think that games are more fun than the typical learning they get very excited and want to win at the games. Instructional Games have much appeal however some schools do not students to play games at school.  This is because in some games it is hard to identify the educational value.  Students will spend more time on Instructional Games and try harder than they would in the traditional setting. An example of an Instructional Game can be found here.

The fifth and final type of Instructional Software is Problem Solving.  While many instructional software programs are made to help foster problem solving, Problem Solving is designed to only help students learn how to solve problems.  Most all Problem Solving software focuses on math, however there are some that focus on topics such as recalling information, predicting outcomes, and observing. Problem Solving software can help students in that they promote visualization in mathematics and problem solving, improve interest and motivation, and prevent inert knowledge.  An example of Problem Solving website can be found here.