Instructional Technology
Instructional Technology (IT) refers to any technology that is used in an
education setting. This includes presentation technology such as interactive
whiteboards as well as educational software. AT can also be considered IT,
but typically, IT refers to standard technology used in a classroom setting. IT
use in a classroom promotes a universal design for learning (UDL)
environment. In a UDL environment, materials are presented in forms that
benefit all learners and responses can be given in various forms. For
example, a teacher can enhance a standard lecture by using an interactive
whiteboard to display a powerpoint presentation as well as closed caption
video clips on the day's topic. By using different technologies, the teacher is
engaging all students, including those that have learning disabilities that
affect their ability to read standard lecture notes. As evidenced by this and
other examples, many types of IT can benefit both students with and without
disabilities by enhance the skills of those without disabilities while also
providing needed support to offset difficulties for those with disabilities.
IT used in the presentation of materials plays an important role in helping
initially introduce new concepts to both students with and without
disabilities. Following this introduction, students can use computer-based IT
to further their understanding of the topic. Computer-based IT can be
categorized as either Computer Assisted Instruction or Instructional
Software.
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) has been applied to different
educational settings for more than 20 years. CAI uses computer technologies
to enhance (for students without disabilities) or facilitate (for students with
disabilities) learning. It has been widely used and researched in the general
curriculum tasks of reading and writing. An example of a CAI technology for
reading is scan and read programs such as Kurzweil 3000, Read and Write
Gold, WYNN Reader, Open Book, and Scan and Read Pro. These types of
programs provide students with dyslexia, visual impairments, or physical
impairments access to printed reading material by reading scanned material
aloud with customized speed, voice, and text highlighting options. This type
of program, although designed for people with disabilities, can also benefit
students without disabilities. Studies such as the Iowa Text Reader Project
have shown that students without disabilities have experienced increased
reading comprehension by using scan and read programs to listen to reading
material while simultaneously reading it. Other examples of CAI include
concept mapping programs, customizable keyboards, talking word
processors, and word prediction software. These will be discussed further on
the next page.
Although it has benefits for all students, CAI software has its greatest impact
on students with learning disabilities. Whereas CAI software is used to
enhance the skills of typical students, it provides a means of access to
students with learning disabilities by eliminating the barriers their disabilities
present.
Instructional Software (IS) programs include pictures, sounds,
animations, and other various stimuli used to enhance the development of
skills such as reading, writing and problem solving. IS programs provide
individualized experiences used to enhance the general curriculum and
mastery of skills through extra practice, simulations, and problem solving
opportunities. The three categories of classification for IS programs are as
follows.
Drills and Practice Programs provide opportunities to master skills
previously taught while providing corrective feedback. These types of
programs teach a skill and then give multiple opportunities to practice
this skill. For example, if the skill being taught is spelling, the student
would initially be presented with a word and then would participate in
multiple activities, typically involving pictures or some other desirable
media, that would require the student to practice spelling that word.
Simulations provide practice for decision making in cause and effect
situations. Of all of the IS programs, simulations are most closely linked
to AT. These programs are often specifically designed for students with
disabilities. Programs designed for students with autism that simulate
social situations are particularly successful. They allow students to
practice responses to social situations before actually encountering
them in order to teach proper social interaction. These are effective
because they utilize a tool, the computer, that many students enjoy
using.
Games provide opportunities to reinforce skills through activities that
motivate the students. These can be successful for students with
various types of learning or cognitive disabilities. These games
typically teach by providing motivating multimedia rewards when the
student accomplishes a task. Potential problems can arise when
students focus on the reward and do not pay attention to what is being
taught.
5 Types of Instructional Software
1)
Drill and Practice- This method allows learners to work problems
or answer questions and get feed back on correctness. The feedback is
usually as simple as OK or No Try Again. There are many benefits
to this software. A few are that it gives immediate feedback, its
motivating because the kids enjoy being on the computer, and it saves
the teacher time. Teachers can use this software for the replacement
of worksheets or even as homework. The best way might even be to
help the student prepare for test.
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2)
Tutorial- This method is most a teachers classroom
instruction. It is usually used as the unit of teaching and not as a
supplement. Gagne said that good tutorial software should address all
nine instructional events. There are 2 categories when talking about
tutorials. The first is Linear, its simple and gives the same instruction
and feedback to everybody in the class. Branching is a little more
complex. It directs students on different paths based on the answers
that students gives.
The tutorials should not replace the teachings form the teacher. It can
be used as a review of the instruction, another learning strategies and
can be used when the teacher is not available.
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3)
Simulation- This is best described as a computerized model of a
real or imagined system that is designed to teach how the system
works. Most simulations make the student choose tasks to do or the
order in which to do them. There are 2 mail types of simulations, Ones
that teach about something and one thats teaches how to do
something.
Simulations that teach about something are usually physical or
iterative. Simulations that teach how to do something are usually
procedural or situational. The best benefit has been in the field of
science. But that doesnt mean that the other subject are left
out. There are many benefits to using simulations. A few examples
are that they compress time, it gets the students involoved, it makes
experiments safe, makes the impossible become possible, it saves
money and resources, and it allows for students to understand
complex processes.
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4)
Instructional Games- Most students like these the most. They
have appealing formats and activities and good instructional
value. Plus the students feel like they are planning games but they are
actually learning. This should not be an everyday occurrence but it is
good for a reward. The main benefit form these games are that it
makes the classroom fun and the students want to learn. The main
way these games are incorporated into the classroom is in place of
worksheets, to help teach cooperative group working skills and the big
on is s an award.
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5)
Problem-Solving- This is made up mostly of simulations and
instructional games. The problem solving software is used for
providing opportunities to practice solving various kinds of content
area problems. If a student is having a hard time in one subject this
might be a good software to use to help them. Some benefits to this
software is that it helps improve interest and motivation and also
prevents inert knowledge. Teachers may use this software to teach
component skills, provide support in solving problems and it also
encourages problem solving.
