LESSON 4:Instructional

Software
 Lesson outcomes
 Identify and describe the five categories
of instructional software, in terms of their
features, characteristics and application
in teaching and learning.
 Design a learning activity using the
appropriate instructional software.
 Apply the use of instructional software in
other academic discipline.
 Understanding System software,
operating software and function
 System software is a type of computer
program that is designed to run a computer's
hardware and application programs.
 The operating System (OS)I is an example of
system software. The OS manages All the
other program in a computer. Computers
cannot function without the Operating
System.
Syste Software Example:
Operating Software Example:
 Two types of software

 Application software
 System software
APPLICATION SOFTWARE EXAMPLE: SYSTEM SOFTWARE EXAMPLE:
INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
 From the discussion about system software
and application software, we can readily
cite instructional software as an example
of application software.
 Instructional Software is a computer
program designed to assist in the delivery
of instruction. The primary purpose of
instructional Software is to support
teaching and learning
 Five categories of Instructional
Software
 In educational application, instructional
Software comes in five categories namely:
(Grabe & Grabe 1996)
 Tutorial
 Simulation
 drill and practice
 educational games
 exploratory environment
 Tutorial
 Traditionally, we think of tutorial as a
mode of instruction which involves a
teacher and one or two students. It is
personalized in approaching because the
pacing is based on the rate on the students
progress.
 A high quality and well designed computer
based tutorial have the basic feature of
traditional tutorial approach.
Tutorial Example
 Simulation
 It provides a controlled learning environment that
replicates the key element of the real world
environment.

 It is designed so that the action a student takes

place within the simulated environment produce
results similar to those that would take place in
the real world.
Simulation Example
DRILL-AND-PRACTICE

• Commonly used to reinforce

mastery of specific skills.

• Should not be used to introduce a

new area.
DRILL-AND-PRACTICE

• Teachers must be sensitive in

selecting the appropriate
educational games that can engage
students in meaning and higher
order thinking.
• “Experiential Learning”
Drill and Practice Example
EDUCATIONAL GAMES

• Designed to emphasize competition

and entertainment.
• May activate prior knowledge and
can spark learners’ interest
• Should emphasize cooperation and
teamwork rather than competition.
Educational Games Example
EXPLORATORY ENVIRONMENT
SOFTWARE

• Designed to provide manageable and

responsive computer-based worlds for learners
to explore and manipulate.
• Will enable them to explore a body of
information or a rule system
• Present information but are not directive like
tutorials
EXPLORATORY ENVIRONMENT
SOFTWARE

• High degree of learner control, active learning

is anchored on realistic situations and
experiences
• Considered student-centered in approach
• Elements can be manipulated by the user in
the course of interacting with this type of
software.
• Enhances students’ creativity and decision
making skills.
Exploratory Environment Software
Advantages of
Instructional
Software
1. It promotes
personalized
learning
2. Increases
students’
motivation
and creativity
 3. Provides
extended
learning
opportunities
and practices
 4. Address
different
learning styles
5. Provides virtual
and stimulated
real life learning
experiences
6. Learners have
direct control of
their learning
 7. Develops
problem solving
skills
8. Encourages
active learning
 9. Fosters
metacognition
skills