2. Relative Advantage of Using
Instructional Software
Instructional software can have a high relative advantage in any
classroom including the art room. It is not meant to replace a teacher but rather
enhance or assist teachers in helping students to grasp course material. If used
correctly the relative advantage, or perceived potential of instructional software,
can be great. This software acts as a solution for a variety of learning problems.
It can offer visual examples, help to make abstract concepts more concrete,
supply immediate feedback for students, establish links between skills and real-
world problems, provide structured and self-paced learning environments,
reusable materials, and so much more. There are five main types of instructional
software: drill and practice, tutorials, simulations, educational games, and
problem-solving software. No matter what subject or grade level, there are
endless options out there to try. This presentation will focus on those applicable
for K-12 art educators.
3. Evaluating Instructional
Software
When choosing the best instructional software for your classroom there
are a number of things to consider. First, would be whether or not the software
is free. Teachers often do not have the budget to purchase instructional
software so this can be a big determining factor as to whether or not they’ll be
able to use it. Next, one might consider reading reviews or evaluations of the
potential software. If nothing else, experiment using it to see if students would
benefit from it. If reviews are available on a particular software it’s good to
make sure they’re coming from an independent third party so as not to be
biased. Here are a couple to look into for any subject content.
The Learning Village
Power to Learn
Discovery Education’s Review Corner
Children’s Technology Review
Education World’s Software Reviews
4. 5 Types of Instructional
Software
As I said earlier there are five types of instructional software. In the proceeding
slides will explain the purpose of each type and it’s potential use for K-12 art teachers.
Drill and practice
Tutorials
Simulations
Educational Games
Problem-Solving Software
