This document discusses different types of instructional software that can be used for middle school math including drill and practice software, tutorial software, simulation software, educational game software, and problem-solving software. It provides examples of specific software for each type, such as IXL Math for drill and practice or Khan Academy for tutorials. The document also discusses the benefits of using instructional software in the classroom, such as increased motivation and self-paced learning.

1. INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
For Middle School Math

2. INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE:
WHAT & WHY?
 Roblyer and Doering (2013) define it as “computer
programs designed specifically to deliver instruction
or assist with the delivery of instruction on a topic.”
 The relative advantages of using instructional
software include
 Increased motivation and engagement
 Instantaneous feedback
 Allows for more 1 on 1 interaction between student and
teacher
 Self-paced learning environments

3. TYPES OF INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
 Drill and practice
 Tutorials
 Simulations
 Educational games
 Problem-solving software

4. DRILL AND PRACTICE SOFTWARE:
WHAT & WHY?
 Students work on example problems one at a time
and are given feedback on their correctness. Some
programs provide explanation of why answers are
incorrect.
 Provides immediate feedback, helps develop
automaticity, appeals to students more than
worksheets, reduces consumable material waste,
saves teacher time correcting students work
 Potential uses: Practice basic operation facts,
review material before a test or quiz

5. DRILL AND PRACTICE EXAMPLES
 IXL Math
 Practice problems for each grade aligned to state
standards
 Quizlet
 Virtual flashcards which can be either created by the
teacher or students can search for sets already made
by others to help review concepts and facts
 Mr. Myers Flash Cards
 Flash cards to practice basic operation facts

6. TUTORIAL SOFTWARE: WHAT & WHY?
 Tutorials provide instruction similar to what a
teacher delivers. Students should be able to learn
the concept(s) without any other help or materials.
It does include drill and practice functions within the
program.
 Provides immediate feedback and is self-paced.
Intelligent tutoring systems can provide scaffolding
for student learning.
 Potential uses: Instruction for students who were
absent, sub lesson plans, can also provide advance
instruction for gifted students

7. TUTORIAL EXAMPLES
 Khan Academy
 Video tutorials with accompanying practice problems for
almost any math concept
 McDougal Littell @HomeTutor
 This is the online component of my Algebra 1 textbook.
It also contains a video tutor option for struggling
readers. It has a lesson for each section in the textbook.

8. SIMULATION SOFTWARE: WHAT & WHY?
 Computerized models help teach how a real or
imaginary system works. These models can teach
about or how to do something.
 Simulations allow students to see how different
actions impact the whole system. They allow
students to interact with things that are either too
costly, too dangerous, or otherwise impossible to
interact with otherwise.
 Potential uses: Manipulate parts of a function and
see how it changes the graph, different experiments
involving probability

9. SIMULATION EXAMPLES
 Explore Learning Gizmos
 This site contains mainly procedural simulations for all
kinds of different math concepts.

10. EDUCATIONAL GAME SOFTWARE:
WHAT & WHY?
 Learning activities are complemented with game-
like rules and/or competition.
 Educational games appeal to students’ competitive
nature. They also combine learning with playing.
Students are willing to spend more time focused on
the content.
 Potential uses: Similar uses as those for drill and
practice and simulations

11. EDUCATIONAL GAME EXAMPLES
 Lure of the Labyrinth
 A pre-algebra game in which students use their math
skills to find a missing pet within the labyrinth.
 Manga High
 Students compete against each other and also as
school versus school to earn points and badges.

12. PROBLEM-SOLVING SOFTWARE: WHAT & WHY?
 Software focused on developing general problem
solving skills or content-specific skills.
 Problem-solving software helps students visualize
abstract concepts, increases interest and
motivation, and helps students see how information
learned in class applies to actual problems.
 Potential uses: Group problem solving, teaching
problem-solving skills

13. PROBLEM-SOLVING SOFTWARE EXAMPLES
 The Futures Channel
 The site provides videos that introduce problems that
require general problem solving and math and science
skills to solve.

14. RESOURCES TO EVALUATE INSTRUCTIONAL
SOFTWARE
 Good instructional software can be hard to find and
time consuming to evaluate. Here are a few places
that are well-established educational technology
resource sites that provide ideas and reviews.
 iLearn Technology
 Free Technology for Teachers
 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day

15. REFERENCES
 Roblyer, M.D. & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating
educational technology into teaching (6th ed.).
Boston, MA: Pearson.