Week 3: 5 Ways to Teach With Software

What is instructional software? To me instructional software is a computer program that helps a teacher deliver instruction.  There are five types of instructional software that I want to review, and provide a hyperlink for each for you to explore.

1.Drill and practice software is used to allow users to work problems one at a time and instantly receive feedback on if the answer is correct or not. Drill and practice can help students with fluency or automaticity.

Example of drill and practice

http://quizlet.com

2.Tutorial software is a software the acts as a human and provides information to the user. When students use tutorial software they do not need help from anyone else. When students use tutorial software they are normally self-contained.

Example of tutorial software

http://internet4classrooms.com/on-line2.htm

3.Simulations software is a computerized model of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works.  An example of a learning environment to be simulated would be a chemistry experiment. The use of simulations can save money and replace activities that might not be practical or may be even dangerous until the student learns the activity.

Example of simulation software

http://www.flexsim.com/flexsim/

4. Instructional games software is a form of educational software designed to be fun, competitive, and motivational for students.  Instructional games can provide a stimulating learning environment if they are used correctly, and can allow students to learn while enjoying the activity. 

Example of instructional games software

http://www.gameclassroom.com

5. Problem solving software allows students the chance to practice the steps involved in solving problems or help them gain problem solving skills.  Problem solving software is motivational and improves the interest of the subject for students.

Example of problem solving software

http://www.criticalthinking.com/index.jsp

Week 2: Web 2.0

I recently had the chance to explore some amazing resources and I must say I'm impressed.  For the first time I used Glogster, which at first I was a little curious, but soon I learned to love it.  Once I was logged in I and played around in this site I was pretty impressed. I love the fact that teachers can also link up with their students and have them complete projects.  Although I am a kindergarten teacher, I do believe that this is something that I can give students a chance to do with their parents to represent who they are. Another resource that I had a chance to explore was Animoto.  Animoto is a website where you can create 30 second videos for free, although you can create longer videos there is a charge.  My final resource I used was Voki, which is a website where you can create a avatar that can speak.  I thought that this would be a great way to present information to students.  While doing this project I found a lot of new resources that I can use inside my classroom that I have never heard of before.

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=7427924&height=267&width=200

http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?scid=7427947&height=267&width=200

http://brittanyq0708.edu.glogster.com/animals

http://animoto.com/play/aXSOd4zmb0HIzKXfCwoosg

 

Week 1: Playing Computer Games at School????

Should students be allowed to play computer games at school? I say yes! As a kindergarten teacher I always allow my students to play computer games.  While some teachers may say that this time could be used to study or to read a book, I think this time could be used to give students extra practice.   In my classroom I allow students to play computer games to reinforce skills that I've taught.  I think that computer games can bring excitement to learning.  When students play computer games they don't think that they are learning, which makes computer games even more exciting.  I love the fact that my 5 year old daughter has learned multiplication facts from playing computer games.  Computers and computer games are awesome tools for learning.

Welcome

My name is Brittany Black, I am 27 years old. I am married to the love of my life Alexander, and we have a 5 year old daughter who brigs adventure to our lives daily.  I have been teaching Kindergarten for 3 years now and I love it.  I enjoy being challenged and I love to shop.  I am really excited about finding ways to integrate technology inside my classroom, I feel that students become really excited about learning when they are using technology.