These
chapters provided a lot of excellent information about technology instruments. For
example, I have a better understanding of instructional software. According
to Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A.H. (2013), instructional software is “designed
specifically to deliver in or assist with the delivery of instruction on a
topic (p.77). The main function of the instructional software is support
learning which is based on the constructivism (p.79). There are several software functions for integration
strategies. It was noted that it is important that educators need to “determine
the teaching role it serves and how it will fit in the instructional process”
(p.80). Two of the programs that I used when I taught remedial math was drill
and practice and the integrated learning system. I used drill and practice
instead of worksheets because the students were really engaged during those
times. It provided instant feedback, so the student could track their level of
understanding. Also, the program, NorthStarMath, allowed me to monitor the student’s
progress. I could see actually what he/she was working on and how well they did
with that concept. Furthermore, the program would design lessons for the
students based off of their levels of understanding of math concepts (p.105).
In addition to instructional software, there
are “three basic software tools” (p.113). These tools are useful when use
correctly because they increase productivity, appearance, and accuracy (p. 112).
Also, these tools allow for interaction and collaboration (p. 113). These tools have adaptations that help special
needs students to be successful (p.114). For example, there are programs that
will help students who have “illegible handwriting, poor phonetic spelling, a
physical disability that makes typing difficult, or difficulty translating thoughts into writing” (p.114). Additionally, these programs help teachers
and students to make spreadsheets and presentations, save time, and stay organized.
Moreover, these tools can help teachers to manage grade books, student data,
and lesson plans. Furthermore, these programs allow for teachers to generate
tests and rubrics which save the time (p.148). There are other programs that
will grade the tests as the students are taking the tests which allow for
instead feedback (p.150). Besides that, there programs that will generate
individualized educational programs for special needs students. Consequently,
there programs that will keep track of what task the students need to complete
and what he/she has completed (p.151). Finally, if educators know how to integrate
these technology tools into the curriculum, they can truly benefit students and
the teacher and allow the parents more opportunities to stay abreast of their
children’s levels of achievement.
Reference
Roblyer, M .D. & Doering, A.H. (2012). Integrating Educational
Teaching
Technology into Teaching
(6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson