Tutorials provide step-by-step instruction for complex tasks through demonstration and active participation. They break down skills into subsections that build on each other to teach software programs or other tasks. Instructional games add rules to simulations and drills to increase learning through activity and practice. Problem-solving programs promote higher-order thinking by immersing learners in content-specific problem scenarios. Simulations create authentic learning experiences by allowing exploration and demonstration of tasks in realistic virtual environments.

2. TUTORIALS
 Relative Advantage
 Tutorials employ several learning strategies including a direct
means of content delivery, demonstration and active
participation. These products allow the instructor to create a
learning module that shows the learner step by step instructions
for completing complex tasks inside a user interface.
 Definition and Purpose
 Tutorials can be utilized to break down large skillsets into sub-
sections which build on each other. There are many software
programs that require knowledge of multiple tasks and
knowledge of the program. Tutorials tie these components
together for the learner through a interactivity, user control and
a self-paced format.
 Resources
 Lynda.com is a highly regarded software tutorial website, and is
a good benchmark for evaluating content and organizational
quality of tutorials.
 http://www.lynda.com/

3. INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES
 Relative Advantage
 The imposition of game rules can work towards creating a more
engaging environment by requiring higher levels of thought in
Bloom’s Taxonomy, such as analyzing, evaluating and creating.
 Definition and Purpose
 Instructional games, like simulations, allow the learner to drill
and practice the skill sets with the addition of rules, increasing
content-area specific learning. The level of activity appeal and
instructional value determine the worth in the educational
situation.
 Resources
 Click below for an interesting article on ways teachers can
evaluate educational games:
 http://mashable.com/2012/05/18/educational-video-games-
how-to/

4. PROBLEM-SOLVING PROGRAMS
 Relative Advantage
 Problem solving programs promote higher levels of learning in
Bloom’s Taxonomy, such as analysis. Interesting and well-
planned problem solving games can bridge gaps in
understanding of specific content areas by immersion in a virtual
learning environment.
 Definition and Purpose
 Problem solving programs require the learner to analyze,
evaluate and apply knowledge in a content-specific situational
context as long as the learner can communicate their thinking
processes.
 Resources
 Click below for an interesting article on evaluating spatial
knowledge through problem-solving in virtual learning
environments.
 http://www.philippe-fournier-
viger.com/evaluating_spatial_knowledge.pdf

5. SIMULATIONS
 Relative Advantage
 Simulations create an authentic learning experience that breaks
through learning barriers in unique ways by building
“experience” completing tasks in a semi-realistic virtual
environment.
 Definition and Purpose
 Simulations are a virtual learning environment that allow
demonstration and exploration within the confines of “realistic”
parameters. This allows observation, experimentation and
practice.
 Resources
 Click below for an interesting research article on evaluation
criteria for simulation software.
 http://polaris.umuc.edu/its/online_lab/criterion_labs_article.p
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