Week 3 Software

It's important to understand how software can be used in the classroom to promote student growth.  There are five functions outlined in Roblyer and Doering's textbook.

1)  Drill and Practice - This will help students to work on problems and get instant feedback.  One example of this software is Math Magician.  Math Magician is quick way to see if students are progressing at accuracy and time.

2)  Tutorial - A software included in this group would be one that could teach the student or review material.  It might provide explanations, routines, and feedback.  One that could help students with grammar is English Leap.  There are reviews over basic grammar rules, quizzes, and common mistakes outlined.

3)  Simulation - Autism Simulation is extremely helpful for younger children to work on body language and facial expressions.  This allows students to look at real faces and think about situation.

4)  Instructional Games - Games are always a motivating way to help children practice their math facts.  I like Factmonster.com.   I like to use this website for intermediate students.Factmonster's Math Games

5)  Problem Solving - These types have direct steps to teach a lesson.  The textbook suggests Memory Challenge on http://www.criticalthinking.org but I could not find the Memory Challenge.  I found one that on the top ten integration strategies for software in the text.  Stock Market Software could fit into many categories actually - simulation and problem solving.