Module 1: Technology Tools in Teaching

Module 1: Technology Tools in Teaching

By: Molly Brooke Threadgill

 

I wouldn’t trade my seemingly traditional chalkboard,  Zaner-Bloser paper education for anything. However, I’m sure my teachers would have jumped at the opportunity to make learning multiplication tables, spelling or science seem like a video game. Fortunately, teachers today have endless creative and innovative technological tools at the click of a mouse or swipe of an iPad that help engage students of the 21^st century and make learning much more fun and exciting than techniques used just 10 years ago.

1.       Drill and Practice

·         What: “Drill and practice software functions provide exercises in which students work example items, usually one at a time, and receive feedback on their correctness.” (Doering & Roblyer, 2013, p. 81).

·         Pros: It gives the students immediate feedback after each question, computer-based practice is more appealing to some students and it is a constructive way for students to spend free time.

http://www.ixl.com/

2.       Tutorial

·         What: “Tutorial software is an entire instructional sequence on a topic, similar to a teacher’s classroom instruction. This instruction usually is expected to be a self-contained  instructional unit rather than a supplement to other instruction.” (Doering & Roblyer, 2013, p.86).  Not something that tests or helps students practice skills or concepts they have already been taught, but the actual thing that does the teaching.

§  Linear Tutorial- No matter how the user is picking up the material being taught, the software does not change. It teaches the same thing to everyone, no matter if you understand it or not.

§  Branching Tutorial- A tutorial that essentially adapts to how well the users are picking up material presented.

  http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_delegates.htm

 

3.       Simulation

·         What: “A simulation is a computerized model of a real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system works.” (Doering & Roblyer, 2013, p.90)

§  Procedural Simulations

§  Situational Simulations

http://www.citycreator.com/     (My personal favorite, Oregon Trail, I think would work too!)

4.       Instructional Games

·         What: “Instructional games add game-like rules and/or competition to learning activities.” (Doering & Roblyer, 2013, p.94).

http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/    (*This reminds me of “Math Bingo” we played    in elementary school. )

5.       Problem-Solving

·         What: “Problem-solving software functions may focus on fostering component skills in or approaches to general problem-solving ability, or provide opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content-area problems.” (Doering & Roblyer, 2013, p.99).

http://www.keycurriculum.com/products/sketchpad

 

6.       Integrated Learning Systems

·         What: “Integrated Learning Systems are networked or online systems that provide both computer-based instruction and track and report on student progress.” (Doering & Roblyer, 2013, p.102).

                http://www.compasslearning.com/

7.       Word Processing Software

·         Picture It A word processing program that accommodates students with special needs. Picture-assisted reading materials are created for students who struggle with reading or writing.  

http://www.suncastletech.com/pit.html

8.       Materials Generators

·        These can be extremely beneficial for both teacher and student. Materials generators like Puzzle Maker , Certificate Maker and Parent Teacher Conference Scheduler are fantastic free tools for educators that also benefit students and parents alike.