Student achievement of basic skills improves when using educational software. It can help teachers identify their students skills compentencies and weaknesses. A great benefit is that students use thinking, planning, learningm and technical skills. Our textbook quotes Kulik (2002) as stating that "tutorials increased studentlearning in mathematics and science and resulted inmore positive attitudes about these subject areas." (Morrison and Lowther, p.284)
How do I choose the correct software?
There are several methods of choosing the correct software. First, teachers should look at software reviews by other teachers and talk with them about their opinions. Teachers should look at reviews of the software by others. Finally, teachers should examine the software themselves. This hand-on approach will give them the satisfaction of knowing it fits their objectives and will be the most beneficial for their lesson plans. When a teacher is evaluating the software him/herself, Mossison and Lowther (2010) suggest the following:
- check for content accuracy
- check for research-based instructional strategies
- decide if it meets your instructional objectives
- decide if the objectives can be assessed
- make sure it's easy to use and appropriate for the intended audience
The following are the six NTeQ lesson components that should be used when integrating problem-solving or educational software into a lesson:
- Computer Functions
- Research and Analysis
- Results Presentation
- Activities During Computer Use
- Activities Before Computer Use
- Activities After Computer Use
Morrison G. and Lowther, D. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom: Skills for the 21st. Century. Boston: Pearson Education.
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