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