Technology in Action

As the library/media specialist at my school, I am aware of diffrent types of instructional software and I am occasionally asked my opinion about their uses. I feel that I am more knowledgable about the equipment because I am frequently called upon to help troubleshoot problems that arise with set-up, etc.

I do not use a a lot of instructional software myself in the library. Most of my experience is with the software teachers at my school use and honestly that is not much. As I was reading the assigned chapters, I did get lots of ideas of how I could incorporate more technology into my library lessons. I sometimes have to fight the "old librarian" in me that loves to "look up" information in books.

Here is my evaluation of the different types of instructional software:

• Drill and Practice software allows students to practice skills and receive immediate feedback. Teachers should select software that allows students to have control over the pace, and has accurate and appropriate feedback. This is the type of software I am most familiar with. I found Quarter Mile Math by Rocky Mountain Learning Systems  http://www.rmlearning.com.  I would use this software for practice of basic math facts. It allows you to adjust the difficulty for individual students appealing to all ability levels.
• Tutorial software is a type of software that can be used as an all encompassing product that can be used as a teaching tool. I personally don't think it should be used in place of a teacher unless a teacher is not available for that subject. The branching type seems to be the best. I would use this software to enhance or supplement curriculum. MathTutor Educational Software is one I found that looked like it met all the guidelines. http://www.mathtutor.com/math-educational-software.html  
• Simulation software teaches students either how to do something or about something. Simulations need to be very clear with what they want the students to learn and have good documentation. I have helped the gifted teacher and students with  a forensic unit this year. They used www.library.thinkquest.org/040ct/00206/interactive.htm .   Another site I found is http://sciencespot.net/Pages/classforsci.html .  This was great for our students because we did not have access to a forensics lab or the sophisticated equipment needed to preform the experiments.
• Instructional Gaming software is similar to drill and practice but it adds an element of competition and is governed by rules. It also lends itself to more group participation. Students like instructional gaming because they are mentally challenging and entertaining. The instructional games that I have used are free library skill games at http://www.quia.com/shared/library_science/. These teacher made games have worked well reinforcing library skills.
• Problem Solving software focuses on an individual type of problem stated in a lesson or unit. One  type of problem solving software focuses on practice and breaking down problems. Some focus on prerequisite skills for solving a larger problem that students are led to discover. I have not used problem solving software. In a web search, I found reviews of  problem solving skills software at http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/problem/. I liked Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackwood Manor. My students love mysteries and still read Nancy Drew books. 
• Integrated Learning Systems are all encompassing and are sold to use on a network or they are web based. ILS's are usually more expensive and are usually purchased to used by an entire school or district.  An Integrated Learning System can include all the above types of software. It can also be used by teachers for managing results into reports that can be valuable for accountability. http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PS1364&PMDBSUBCATEGORYID=&PMDBSITEID=2781&PMDBSUBSOLUTIONID=&PMDBSOLUTIONID=6724&PMDBSUBJECTAREAID=&PMDBCATEGORYID=3289&PMDbProgramID=79602  This site sells the Common Core software that integrates with the Common Core program that our language arts teachers are using.

http://www.speedofcreativity.org This link is to a blog by Dr.Wesley Fryer he reviews software and gives practical advice.