Instructional Software

In this blog I will be giving examples of the five types of software and the advantages of this software in the teaching of STEM.

Drill and Practice
This is a software type that enforces repetition for learners to learn a specific topic.

Example: Flashcard Maker app by Imad K
                Cram.com Flashcards app and website

Both are apps that allow you to make flashcards to study. It brings technology into the old fashioned index cards that we turned into flashcards before all this technology came around.
Advantage:
 Students can create the flashcards that they need to and the apps will generate random order every time they study so it's not memorization of an order, but students are learning the vocabulary.

Tutorials
These can be useful tools to present new computer software or even walk students step by step through a process.

Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lahyXq1ZDrE
This is a basic tutorial to Inventor that I've created for my classroom. Most of my students find this helpful.

Advantage:
 Students get to see step-by-step instructions on how to use computer software. Sometimes it's best to allow students to work through a tutorial at their own pace. Students learn at different paces.

Simulations
 Simulations are great tools that can create virtual lab experiences for students.  This is helpful in schools that have budget restraints and can't afford the expensive lab equipment,

One example of a simulation I use is. http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc

This is a circuit construction simulation created by Colorado University.

Advantage:  Simulations apply knowledge that students have learned into a real-world experience. This really helps active learners and is a cheaper route than purchasing equipment that you don't have.

Instructional Games
Games are engaging and fuel students competitive drives to be better than their peers in some cases. Games can be a fun way to improve math skills or content knowledge.

Example: Math Blaster

Math blaster and all the blaster related games are great games to improve mathematical speeds and science knowledge.  I know some of this could be considered lower level math, but I find it a great way to keep students accountable for their math and knowing how to multiply, divide and convert without the use of their calculators.

Advantage:
Students are engaged and learning content that will always help them in the future. It's a fun way to interact with students and push them to become better that you(the instructor). Some not all students strive in an environment of competition.


Problem Solving Software
 Example: Autodesk Inventor

Throughout the engineering curriculum students will have to solve design problems. These problems will give the students real world experience in solving common problems that engineers could face in their daily jobs. Inventor allows students to create 3Dimensional models to solve these problems. Using this software will help students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.