5 Types of Educational Software

Educational software is a tool. And just like any other tool, it has its specific uses and limitations. Teachers must fully understand and know the products they direct their students to utilize and weigh the pros and cons of each specific application of a software's options. The 5 types of educational software are detailed below with examples for each.

Drill and Practice - Students work on skills that have been previously taught and work toward mastery of pre-taught skills with feedback to assist. My school uses a program called Math Facts in a Flash sold by Renaissance Learning (the AR and STAR people). Students must master Math facts in a certain amount of time before moving onto the next level. It provides feedback to the students when they aren't allowed to advance. It also has a great parent piece to help parents understand how to help their children. http://www.renlearn.com/mf/

Tutorial - This type of program allows students to feel as though they have an instructor alongside them. These type of programs provide information informational activities that help students master skills and topics with informational summaries, explanations, practice routines with feedback, and skill assessments. Math is a great at subject to utilize this type if software, but I have a feeling that with more standardized testing moving to computers, we will probably see an explosion of typing tutorial software in the next year with all programs aimed at 1st and 2nd graders. Here is a link for a Math tutorial software
http://mathspractice.com.au/tutoring/math%20education%20tutorial.htm  

Simulation - Students are able to vicariously experience real and imaginary systems that otherwise wouldn't be fully possible. Students are apply to apply and further expand content knowledge with these types of software. Such things as virtual field trips and the inner workings of a cell are all possible with thus type of software. Here is a link for Math/Science simulations http://www.scienceshareware.com/

Instructional Games - Students seem to have the most experience with this type of software in the elementary grades. Drills and Simulation activities have been converted into games that interest students and increase their desire to master skills and further understanding of concepts. My second graders love the site www.funbrain.com/ because they have so much fun while practicing otherwise boring skills.

Problem Solving - This types of software instructs through direct application if skills and concepts. Of all the different types of software, this one utilizes the most higher order, critical thinking skills. Students are aided with tutorials and feedback, but it ultimately becomes about winning out against the problem/computer. A program I'm going to recommend to my school's Odyssey of the Mind team is
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B642OI to help train for competitions.