INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

Instructional software is a kind of computer programmes that enable students to

learn new content, practice using the content learned or serve as an evaluation tool on
students’ understanding of the contents. Apart from that, it also allows both teacher and
students to demonstrate the concepts, do simulations and record as well as data
analysis.

There are eight types of instructional software which are applications, drill-and-
practice, tutorials, simulation, instructional games, problem-solving, multimedia
and teacher utilities. In this article, we will focus on instructional games and problem
solving.

a) Instructional games

Instructional games refer to courseware which is designed to motivate learning

by adding games rules or instructions to learning activities. By doing this, it will make
learning fun and adding a sense of competition. According to research studies done by
Kromhout & Butzin (1993) and Kulik (1994), they found that learning time is reduced
and mastery is increased for students who use multimedia instructional programmes in
subjects ranging from language arts to science. Besides, it is proven that students
exhibit greater motivation and enjoyment when they use such software.

The rationale for using instructional games is it offers a mean for understanding
motivation and learning in a holistic way. Other than that, technology provides many
routes to serious play. This gives a meaning that the students are not only use them
merely for entertainment, but as well as for their learning.

There are some examples of instructional games such as The Patch Worker,
HMS Sweet Tooth, and Code Calling (Motladi S E Makwela). These games are useful
for language learning. For instance, in The Patch Worker, students are required to
arrange the words to make a proper sentence. Indirectly, this can be related to
Cognitivism learning theory whereby the students need to use their cognitive skills to
create a sentence by using the words given. When students finished arranging the
words, they can check whether they have made a correct sentence or not. This can be
regarded as immediate feedback as mentioned in Behaviorism theory. Immediate
feedback is vital as they can motivate learning thus make the students to form the
habits of correct language use.

b) Problem solving

Problem solving software on the other hand is content-free or content-based

programme that emphasizes on critical thinking, analysis, logic and reasoning
through a set of data and problematic event. In other words, it stresses on critical
thinking skills by the user, rather than a specific academic discipline. Furthermore, it
promotes cooperation through group work activities. This will encourage them to
exchange their thoughts in order to solve the problems.
Search for the following concepts in integrating technology into teaching. produce an
article for an academic journal on the concepts. then upload the article in scribd and
embed in your group page. be creative

faezahasmi: connect to learning theories. what are they? How can you use the software
support tools in your classroom?