Teachers today are looking for new materials to help them get the most of the time they have to
create, plan and teach. In the technology world there is a site that fits just about every need for new
material. Take a look at these instructional software options and how they can make an immediate
impact in a classroom.
Drill and Practice programs are designed to give students problems one at a time and then give
them feedback on if they answered correctly (Integrating Educational Technology into
Teaching,Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.81). One example is the chart fill-in activities which consist of
charts that students work while being timed and then the work is checked for accuracy
(Roblyer &Doering, 2013, p. 81). The website www.abcya.com has games and charts for students to
practice spelling and math skills. One in particular the "100 number chart game" gives students the
chance to work on their math skills.
Tutorials are used in the classroom as an entire self-contained teaching lesson instead of being a
supplement so students should not need any additional materials (Roblyer and Doering, 2013, p.86).
A Linear tutorial usually gives each student the same progressive steps regardless of their accuracy
(Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 87). An example of a linear tutorial that teaches English vocabulary
and spelling is "At The Zoo" found at www.english_4kids.com.
A Simulation is a model that can be manipulated to teach how a system works (Roblyer &
Doering, 2013, p. 90). A procedural simulation teaches a system through actual steps in a
procedure or activity without the extreme risks and high costs (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 90)
Think learning to fly a plane. A safer and more economical choice to one science experiment can be
found on www.froguts.com which allows students to virtually dissect a frog.
Instructional Games provide a competitive learning method for a generation of students who are
hooked on games (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 99). Adventure games are popular among students
today and the website www.jumpstart.com has learning games for all levels. These are a great way
to challenge students while they are entertained (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 98).
Problem Solving technology is based on three things; the problem itself, the physical process of
solving the problem and the thought process to reach the solution (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 99).
Content-area problem solving focuses on a specific content where students find the solution to a
specific problem (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 99). There is no end to the problem solving games for
children to practice on the site www.theproblemsite.com including a game called "Adder" where
children guide a giant caterpillar to the correct answer to a math problem.
One system that teachers have found helpful is the Integrated Learning System Program.
These provide instruction to students but track progress information of what they are learning for
teachers (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p. 102). It can give an overview of a class or a view of each
individual's progress so teachers can see if additional instruction or details should be given (Roblyer
& Doering, 2013, p. 103). A great resource for implementing this is www.learning.com where all
kinds of curriculum has a designed system.
For many basic software tools have become an important part of teaching (Roblyer & Doering,
2013, p. 112). Material Generators provide tools for improved productivity, accuracy and
appearance in teaching materials (Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.141). Two websites that focus on
design and function include www.formbreeze.com and www.broderbund.com. Planning and
Organizing tools are also essential to keeping things running smoothly in a classroom (Roblyer &
Doering, 2013, p.141). For ideas on staying organized look at www.lessonplanet.com and like these
listed the website www.superteachertools.com is a great place to start
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, Aaron H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching (6th ed.).
Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, INC.
