Elements of Instructional Software

Element	Characteristic	Benefits of this element	Example software
Drill and Practice	Drill	Rote memorization	Xtramath.org
Tutorial	Instruction	The teacher isn’t needed	Khan Academy
Simulations	Application	Kids can see what would happen in situations we can’t replicate in the classroom	FossWeb
Instructional Games	Drill	Fun reinforcement of concepts	Mathoku iPad app
Problem Solving	Critical thinking	Forces kids to think	Graphs by Tap to Learn iPad app

Discussing educational software is very diverse in today’s world. Educational software can be a computer CD-ROM, but in schools today it is more likely to be Internet websites, and iPad apps. I use Xtramath.org in my classroom and I chose it to feature because of how successful it has been with my students. It uses math fact practice in a helpful way and allows me to track the scores online. Rote memorization is not ideal for all learning, but kids need to know their multiplication facts off the top of their heads. Khan Academy is a great example of a tutorial software. It teaches the actual lesson and walks kids through problems step-by-step. Being able to watch the process is greatly beneficial for kids. Simulations software, like we find on FOSSweb is an awesome way to show kids real science results of experiments we can’t do in the classroom. it also gives the students power over the variables and the entire experiment. My students absolutely love the Ma^thoku game on our student iPads. It is like a Sudoku puzzle, but with math facts. It is learning disguised as a game. Lastly, the problem solving app Graphs helps students to be able to analyze data and use critical thinking skills.