Types of Instructional Software

As we get closer to the selecting technology, let's look at the different types of instructional software available. There are many types of instructional technologies. It's not all about apps. Below are six broad categories of "software". Most are web-based. Later you will include this category of evaluation in your technology evaluation.

• Explore examples of the six types of Instructional software.
• Cross reference Bloom's Taxonomy of Cognitive Skills with these six types of instructional software.
• Activity- review Kathy Schrock's Bloomin Apps and reflect on the teachers role in a BYOD learning environment.

Types of instructional software (apps/games)

1. Drill and practice (usually free), (iXL, not free)- these programs give the learner immediate feedback. They motivate the learner to practice the skill and save the teacher time correcting practice work.

ex. Math Playground

2. Tutorial (usually free) tutorials like Khan Academy add the direct teaching element with practice.

ex, Khan Academy

3. Interactives (usually free) ex. Illuminations math interactives- interactives allow the leaner to manipulate items on the screen that produce overall changes.

ex. Interactive Sites for Education, Illuminations for NCTM

4. Simulations (usually not free-$),simulations like virtual reality imitate real life in a controlled environment while slowing down or speeding up a process. Dissecting the frog in digital frog is an example of a simulation. Simulations make dangerous experiments safe in the classroom. They can save money on lab materials.

ex. Digital Frog

5. Instructional Games (some free, more complex, ex. Mindcraft edu $) These games have the potential to engage higher order thinking skills, collaboration among gamers and are highly motivating to many learners.

ex. Mindcraft EDU $, iCIVICS- free, (MIT Educational Arcade)

6. Problem Solving (often free, problem based learning) web-based sites that engage learners in inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning and other higher order thinking skills with communities of learners.

ex. Go North- Adventure learning (free)

• View this SlideShare to learn more about Types of Instructional Software
• Analyze and discuss the relationship between Bloom's Taxonomy and the different types of educational technology.

Bloom's Taxonomy of Higher Order Thinking Skills

Not familiar with Bloom's Taxonomy?

Read: Forehand, M. (2005). Bloom's taxonomy: Original and revised.. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <9.30.15>, from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Bloom%27s_Taxonomy

" While it should be noted that other educational taxonomies and hierarchical systems have been developed, it is Bloom's Taxonomy which remains, even after nearly fifty years, the de facto standard." (Orey, 2005)

Activity

Go to : http://www.schrockguide.net/bloomin-apps.html

• Review the charts of Bloomin appls for the different platforms ( iPad, Windows, Android, etc)
• Consider the implications of a BYOD school environment and the need to have applicators for multiple platforms
  • Ipad apps
  • Android apps
  • Google apps
  • Windows apps
  • Web 2.0 apps
• How does the BYOD environment impact teacher planning?

Additional Reading

• Barseghian, Tina. 2012. What's Worth Investing In? How to Decide What Technology You Need, October 11. Mindshift. KQED.
• Shapiro, Jordan, et. al. 2014. Mind/Shift Guide to Digital Games + Learning. Joan Ganz Cooney Center/KQED