Instructional software is computer programs designed to deliver instruction or support instruction on a topic. It is used as an aid to enhance student learning. There are several types of instructional software including drill and practice software to review content, tutorial software to present information, simulations to visualize concepts, instructional games to make learning fun, and problem-solving software to develop problem-solving skills. Examples provided include sight word and math fact practice apps, phonics tutorials, a weather simulation, and educational games.

1. By Chioma A. Umunakwe

2. What is Instructional Software?
 According to Roblyer & Doering (2013) It is the general
term for computer programs designed specifically to
deliver instruction or assist with the delivery of
instruction on a topic (pg.77).
 It is the increased use of technology in the classroom
setting that serves as an aid to enhance student
learning.
 In a Kindergarten classroom, instructional software is
a great resource to use to enhance phonemic
awareness.

3. Drill and Practice
 Purpose  Potential Use
 Directed strategy that  Use to review previously
allows learners to taught content
quickly answer  To learn the basics, such
questions and receive as letter names and
immediate feedback on sight words.
how they do.

4. Drill and Practice Examples
 Sight word app from the Apple App store:
 Seperates sight words into different lists from Pre-
primer to third grade. Allows students to quickly move
through the sight words. Aided by playback
mode, which will teach scholars words they do not
know.
 Math fact practice
 This website allows the learner to pick which type of
problem they would like to work on
(addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and
complete them in a timed setting.

5. Tutorials
 Purpose  Potential Use
 Directed strategy that  Review for students that
presents information are struggling on the
with all the necessary subject matter
tools needed for a  Absent students
student to achieve.  Instruction without the
 Functions as a tutor teacher present.

6. Tutorial Examples
 ABC Fast Phonics
 Phonics website that tutors students on many areas of
phonemic awareness, including sounds, blends, and
word solving.
 Reading Bear
 A free online portal that teaches beginning readers
vocabulary and concepts while also focusing on phonics.
This site contains many videos and presentations.

7. Simulations
 Purpose  Potential Use
 Teaches about and how to  Can be utilized in subjects
do something that require visualization
 Structure must be of the subject matter to
accompanied with it to grasp the concept
increase effectiveness (physics, social sciences)
 Can be particularly
effective in social studies
and science courses
 Saves money, allows for
repition
 Makes the impossible
possible

8. Simulation Examples
 Interactive Weather Maker
 This weather maker allows students to see how changing
certain factors can greatly effect the weather. This is
something that students couldn’t do in a classroom
setting, so it can be an amazing resource to accompany a
weather lesson.

9. Instructional Games
 Purpose  Potential Use
 Add rules and  Gets students to focus
competition to learning on the topic
activities  Makes learning more
 Makes learning the engaging
content fun  May improve classroom
teaching strategies

10. Instructional Game Examples
 Earobics Gamegoo
 This website has a variety of phonics based games
spanning from letter recognition to antonyms
 Gamequarium
 An endless variety of educational games

11. Problem-Solving Software
 Purpose  Potential Use
 Fosters skills in problem  Promotes visualization
solving ability in mathematics
 Content area v. Content problem solving
free problem solving  Can be used in
ability
increasing interest and
motivation

12. Problem Solving Example
 SuperKids!
 Links to a huge variety of problem solving software