The use of instructional software in the classroom can be advantageous to both students and teachers in a number of ways. As outlined in this Biology Instructional Software Relative Advantage presentation, students have many opportunities to build content knowledge and skills. Teachers can reallocate time to work with remediation or alternatively, with students ready to reach higher levels of learning.
Below are three specific opportunities where instructional software supports both the students and the teacher.
Blended learning opportunities
A blended learning environment allows for the combination of guided instruction, self-paced online work, and time to collaborate in small groups to work on projects. Ideally, the online work provides content to the student and data to the teacher. This data identifies the areas that need further clarification and support during the guided instruction time. Students can then use both online and traditional resources to build content knowledge and structure for their group project.
The integration of instructional technologies in a blended environment allows for a richer educational experience in that it provides an opportunity for students to develop skills required for college and career readiness. Students learn to manage time, self-regulate, understand the value of practice, develop mastery, and strengthen their collaboration and communication skills.
Reinforces instruction
Online tutorials, drills and other resources provide multiple functions, one of which is the opportunity for students to review specific instruction on their own time. And they can review it as many times they need to in order to feel confident in their understanding of the content. This type of online support benefits students too afraid to ask questions or approach their teacher, as then have resources get information and additional instruction.
The teacher benefits as it allows them to concentrate on more significant remedial help, and alternatively, higher levels of instruction.
In addition to the having the supported provided by instructional software, such resources also allow students to develop meta-cognitive skills. Because tutorials and drills are self-paced, students learn to better manage their own learning, understanding what it is they need to work on, allowing time to do so, and repeating the process as they determine necessary.
Alternative to traditional systems
Often a classroom will include students who are challenged with traditional classroom instruction. This may be a result of learning issues, past experiences, physical or emotional impairments, or other reasons. These students are drawn to instructional technologies as it provides a new and different opportunity to demonstrate success. Simulations may be one example, as a simulation will allow a student to literally view an item that might otherwise be unavailable to him or her, both physically and/or imaginatively. An example in biology would be the understanding of a cell. A simulated cell allows a student that opportunity to see it in three dimensionally, not just imagine what it looks like. Having these kinds of models help teachers meet the needs of students with multiple learning styles.
Students challenged with traditional methods appreciate the use of instructional software as it gives them an alternative to develop content knowledge. They have an alternative to asking questions in class, or another visit with the teacher. They do have to develop self-regulation and self-motivation skills, and manage their time well.
Here are some good resources to use when searching for effective Instructional Software resources (apps and web based). This software can be used in a wide variety of settings, for different objectives, and for different subjects.
iPad Apps in Schools - this site contains well organized lists of iPad apps for use in K-12 classrooms, for all subjects. There is also a ‘general productivity’ category for those ‘evergreen apps’ that span multiple subjects and which can form the basis of a students’ tech toolkit.
Balefire Labs - iPad and Android app reviews, based upon research based student learning objectives.
Free Technology for Teachers Blog - this blog contains a searchable list of tools for varied use in K-12 classroom. Richard Byrne authors this site and actually tests, in classroom situations, the tool or resource before he recommends it. All the software is free, or VERY low priced for premium versions.
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