This document defines problem solving software as educational software that provides an environment for students to recall information, sequence steps, analyze problems, organize ideas, predict outcomes, and formulate solutions. It presents three main types of problem solving software: skills-based software that targets specific skills; input-based software that provides students with answers; and integrated software that incorporates other educational tools. The document also lists criteria for evaluating software, benefits, limitations, ways to use software in the classroom, and guidelines for usage. Examples of different types of software are also provided.

1. Problem Solving Software
EDUC 190
Veronica Beltran, Andrea Go, Bae Presbitero
Jona Salvador, Arlaj Turingan

2. DEFINITION
• educational software that provides an
environment for recalling information,
sequencing, analyzing, organizing,
predicting outcomes, and formulating
ideas
• usually presents the students with an
initial condition and then alters those
conditions based on the student's
response (Wager et al., 1989)

3. TYPES
1. skills based
- a specific skill is being
targeted (e.g. abstract
reasoning,logic)
2. input based
-the program performs the
task of solving the inquiry of
the learner (yung naglalabas
ng sagot sa equation)
3. integrated
-other types of educational tools are
incorporated

4. CRITERIA
1. Technical Quality
2. Content and Instruction
3. Documentation
4. Motivation elements of the ARCS model
(www.ct4me.net/290510deu.pdf)
 attention
 relevance
 confidence
 satisfaction

5. BENEFITS
1. The computer’s ability to deal with data
2. Interactivity
3. Implication in the learning process
4. Active learning
5. Flexibility
6. Reflexive learning
7. Can capture the students' attention to
learn and solve problems through the
fun graphics.
8. Assistive technology

6. LIMITATIONS AND PROBLEMS
1. Facility
2. Requires knowledge in operating
computers
3. Copyright
4. High expectations
5. Limited range of objectives
6. Controlled environment
7. Lack of social interaction
8. Novelty effect

7. WAYS TO USE
• seat work
• additional exercise
• enrichment activity
• motivational activity
• assessment tool
• practicing a desired skill

8. GUIDELINES FOR USAGE
In using a problem-solving software, we must consider
the following:
a. students' prior knowledge
b. students' knowledge in handling computers
c. target learning outcome

9. EXAMPLES
1. skills-based
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/studies/tba/tre/sim-
description.asp
2. input based
http://www.ixl.com/math/practice/grade-7-gcf-and-lcm-
word-problems
3. integrated
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/problem/
09/CrazyMachines2/merge.shtml

10. REFERENCES:
All Retrieved on November 26, 2010
1. http://www.ixl.com/math/practice/grade-7-gcf-and-lcm-word-problems
• http://www.springerlink.com/content/f5202721w0460423/fulltext.pdf
• http://download.cnet.com/Problem-Solving-Skills/3000-2125_4-
10514357.html
• http://www.carstensstudios.com/index.htm
• www.ct4me.net/290510deu.pdf
• http://www.google.com.ph/url?
sa=t&source=web&cd=5&sqi=2&ved=0CEEQFjAE&url=http%3A
%2%2Fnet.educause.edu%2Fir%2Flibrary%2Fpdf
%2FERM0521.pdf&rct=j&q=educational%20problem%20solving
%20sofrware.pdf&ei=7wzvTPH9I4SdcbGqsa8K&usg=AFQjCNEyyWYhg
6gFfCFZKVFzkLYGc_ehAA&sig2=X-
n_FeWQawHfLOMQJV6jFQ&cad=rja
• http://www.slideshare.net/herikah/integrating-problem-solving-and-
educational-software)
• http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/probl/09/CrazyMachine/m
erge.shtml