Chapter 11: Integrating Problem-Solving and Educational Software

What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?

 

Problem solving is a important part of students development during childhood and it continues throughout adulthood.  In order for students to be successful in education it requires them to obtain certain problem solving skills that will impact their learning and life.  The benefits of wide when it comes to problem solving software in the classroom allowing gaming and simulation of students.  These students learn to "exercise a skill set closely matching the thinking, planning, learning, and technical skills needed by employees" (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D.L., 2010).  The problem solving software programs are set up in a way that requires students to understand the knowledge and how to apply skills in order to be successful in completing the task.  This helps students to enhance their learning and through the practice of skill building in education.  Educational software also helps benefit students and teachers in the classroom because many of these programs are set up to enhance the classroom experience of learning and practicing new knowledge.  It also allows students to enjoy learning and practicing the skills they have obtained in school.  Students are stressed so much with standarized testing that many of the fun activities have been placed on the back burner in the classroom.  It is great to see software programs that enhances students learning but also preparing them to pass the test mandated.  Many students gain a thorough knowledge and understanding through hands on activities and using software programs in the classroom allows this.  These software programs also help teachers identify their students skills compentencies and weaknesses.  This helps the teacher and student work on the aspects of improvement where needed.

 

 

 

 

How do I choose the correct software?

Teachers have to look at several factors when determining the correct software in the classroom.  Teachers should look at software reviews by other teachers, reviews in general of the software, and of course examine the software on their own.  It is important for teachers to use the software themselves to see the effectiveness and usage for students.  Teachers need to examine what the software has to offer and how they can link it to benefit the lesson the teacher wants the students to accomplish.  Software needs to be fun for students, friendly user, but also serve as a linkage between the lesson the teacher is teaching to the curriculum.  Teachers should be sure that software programs used in the classroom meet curriculum requirements while enhancing the learning process for students.  Students need to be able to take the software and the skills to continue to apply in their learning process.  It is also great to have teachers get feedback from students.  Many students have the ability to be blunt and they will give teachers the 411 on a software program in their view.  This helps the teacher understand what intrigues their students but also how to choose one that is beneficial to the curriculum and the students.

 

 

 

When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?

Teachers integrating problem solving or educational software into a lesson need to make sure the program relates and enhances the curriculum goals of the subject area and technology curriculum goals.  Teachers should be sure to address the NTeQ goals while creating the lesson from the curriculum to reach students.  The teacher should have already done the research on the software program frlom evaluations of trusted sources before introducing it to students.  Teachers have to include these components when applying the NTeQ lesson plan to the curriculum lesson (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D.L., 2010):

• Computer Functions
• Research and Analysis
• Results Presentation
• Actitivites During Computer Use
• Activities Before Computer Use
• Activities After Computer Use

This allows teachers to prepare the lesson to benefit the purpose of using the software program to enhance the learning of students.  In order to be successful in these sort of lessons teachers need to prepare and plan.  By doing this teachers know what they want to accomplish with students, how to accomplish, and how to link the software program with their lesson for their students.  Teachers can find software reviews online, through faculty recommendations in the local school officials, personal evaluations and criteria, and company evaluations of the software.  Teachers using technology in the classroom for lessons requires planning and review just as a general lesson plan.  However, teachers have to make sure that the use of the software is enhancing the learning of students while reaching the goals of subject matter and technology curriculum goals.

Reference

Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D.L.  Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom:  Skills for the 21st Century.  (4th ed.)  Pearson:  Boston, 2010.