Instructional Software

Chapter 3 gave me insight into the different types of instructional software programs. I had not even thought about them. I do know that computer software provides a variety of opportunities to meet the needs of the students. I learned the five types of software which include programs that offer drill and practice, tutorial, simulation, instructional games, and problem solving. I am familiar with instructional games and drill and practice software. These are included in my kindergarten computer stations. The main software programs I have in my classroom are instructional games. I realize that many software programs are not always meeting the instructional goals. As I reflect on the software I provide, I want to seek out software that causes my students to question and construct knowledge.

I usually do not offer computers as a reward. It is a required station that each child must rotate through every week. I do provide opportunities for children to choose computers at other times during the day. The computer activities do promote learning in an interactive way and increase motivation. This is my students favorite station. They just love computers.
I want to use more software but I do my stations during literacy and intervention time so I can not have children working on math skills during the ARI literacy block. That is a major no-no. Having only taught kindergarten, I am not familiar with programs that provide simulation or problem solving activities. This is very interesting to me. I hope to utilize more types of instructional software in my classroom. I like the idea of providing problem solving strategies to promote higher level thinking skills and allow children to question, research, explore, interact, enjoy, and transform learning. I know the importance of teaching our students using real and meaningful strategies. Computers can offer children opportunities to work alone or collaboratively to reach an academic learning goal.

This chapter has encouraged me to research the software programs that I offer. I am realizing that I need to incorporate more advanced learning opportunities for my students. I need to look at the software I have and evaluate to see if it is meeting the needs of my students. If not, I need to research other programs to purchase or get the librarian to purchase that will challenge my students. I am learning every day about how to provide the best learning opportunities that will help my students develop higher level thinking skills. I need to critically examine what software is available to insure that I am offering the best possible instructional learning opportunities for all my students.