SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS

*Drill & Skill- An activity that gives multiple questions about the topic and the student must answer them. This type of software function focuses on the correct answer and not any other type of skill. A good drill-and-skill will give feedback to the students when they answer a question.
*Simulations- Models that a user can demonstrate specific skills to achieve a goal. Simulations need to be realistic for the user to understand the main concept behind the simulations. A benefit for using a simulation is it can be less expensive, multiple users can complete it in a shorter time, and has multiple scenarios.
*Tutorials- Computer system that acts like a human tutor by explaining the process for completing an objective. Tutorials need to have tests for the people completing them because it will evaluate if the person understands the material. The benefit of using a tutorial is it is self-paced and self-contained.
*Problem Solving- A problem solving game will require students to apply previous knowledge to complete an activity. Or a problem-solving game will motivate students and have spontaneous problems to solve. The game should also state the purpose and skill that the solvers will possess while playing.
*Instructional Games- The characteristics of instructional games are: game rules, elements of competition or challenge, and amusing or entertaining formats. An instructional game can educational but can be competitive also. The benefit of using an instructional game that students are having fun without knowing they are learning at the same time.
Yes, I believe there is a compelling case to be made for allowing the use of instructional game software to achieve specific educational goals. Instructional games give assistance to learners who have weaknesses in a specific content area. For example, if a student needs extra help on their grammar skills or writing/typing skills an instructional game can assist in this area. The best part of an instructional game is that it is fun! Students tend to forget that they are doing work while having some fun. If learning can be more fun than I believe there will be higher retention rates.
Instructional games also help the teacher with his or her time management skills because if multiple students have a common weakness, they can use the software while the teacher is helping students with other needs. This allows the teacher to meet all of his or her students’ needs during one class period. These games spark interest or motivate students to be an active learner instead of relying on the “smart kids” to answer questions. When using instructional games a teacher is meeting their students’ multiple intelligences. It is important to understand that not everyone learns the same and having a variety of teaching strategies will account for student success.