The main focus of this week's lesson was on how educators are incorporating different types of educational software into their curriculum to promote student engagement and learning. The use of certain software has been found to enhance the students' problem solving skills, as well as to initiate higher level thinking between the individuals in the class. However, it is important that the instructor follow a specific criteria when choosing a program to use in their classroom in order to meet their instructional objectives. The instructor does not need to choose a program based on if the students will find it "fun" or if it might be used to motivate the children. If the program does not meet the objectives set forth by the teacher, then the program will not be a valuable learning tool. During the selection process, the educator must keep in mind that the main goal is to enhance student learning and engagement throughout the lesson.
Microsoft Office is the most commonly used software program on a day to day basis, both in and out of the classroom. Students are able to produce professional-looking documents or presentations to aid in the teaching process. However, in the realm of science, a simulation software package can be very effective to enhance the learning environment. The use of simulation software allows the students to experience certain situations that might otherwise cost too much or be too dangerous to perform in a classroom/laboratory setting. A simulation also will allow the students to run long-term experiments that would otherwise take months or even years and see the results instantly. This type of software that is unique to the science classroom can range from virtual dissections or labs to modeling Graphic Information Systems (GIS).
There is one software package that I have seen used in other science classrooms, that I have personally not used in mine yet is called "The Digital Frog". This software will walk the students through a virtual dissection of the frog with just a click of their mouse. The use of this software allows the students to focus on the anatomy and structure of the frog rather than the dissection process, which is the overall objective of the unit. The two major advantages of using this software over a hands-on dissection is: 1.) decreases the cost of lab materials required for completion and 2.) decreases the amount of time needed to complete the dissection in half! After completing some research I found that the software package comes with a workbook of materials to be used by the instructor. The workbook comes equipped with student worksheets and study guides that the teacher may modify to meet the needs of his/her classroom. This virtual simulation has been found to be more effective in meeting the instructional goals set forth by the instructor over the typical hands-on dissection.
Certain software packages can be used as a very effective tool in aiding instruction within your classroom. They need to be carefully selected by the educators and administrators to ensure they are aligned with the instructional goals and objectives for your classroom.
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