Learning Outcome 2: Introduction To Instructional Software

CTM 710 Instructional Tools and Multimedia
Lionel G Smith 29663513

1. Learning outcome 2: Introduction to Instructional Software
a. What is Instructional Software?
My understanding of this topic is that instructional software has been created
specifically for the use of instructing a learner or student. A true instructional
piece of software cannot be used for any other purpose. Computers were seen as
an extension of the teacher to replace repetitive exercises in the classroom.
Some software is developed to be more in the constructivism sphere and they
form more of a support function. The instructional software will not replace the
teacher, but rather assist the teacher.
b. Multimedia features of Instructional Software:
Although multimedia is not necessary in instructional software, it has been added
lately. This enhances the instructional software. The use of the internet has
further advanced the prevalence of the use of multimedia in Instructional
software. It is thought that by adding multimedia to the software that it will
create “eye-candy” and sell more of their software.
c. Taxonomy of classification of Instructional software:
Instructional software is developed to assist in specific areas of learning. The
classification of Instructional software can be done in the following categories:
• Drill and practice
• Tutorial
• Simulation
• Instructional games
• Problem solving
1. Drill-and-Practise Software Functions
a. Definition and Function
Drill-and-Practise software gives exercises to the learner on the work that is
currently covered, with feedback on the correctness of their work. It is usually
one section at a time. The function is to provide the learner the opportunity to
practise, on the computer, using drill-and-practise software to reinforce the skills
covered and taught to the learner, with direct feedback.
b. Three types of drill-and-practises
There are three types of drill-and-practise activities:
i. Flash card activity
This is the most basic form of drill-and-practice skill. Questions are posed to the
student with a number of answers or typing in answers. It will then give a
positive or negative feedback, depending on whether the answer is correct or
incorrect.
ii.Branching drill
More advanced, software moves student to advanced questions after they get a
number of questions correct. This will only happen at a predetermined level of
mastery. It may send them back to previous questions if they get a certain
number incorrect. Student may not realise that branching is taking place as it will
automatically place the student, without warning, in the appropriate position.
iii.Extensive feedback activities

This method will give detailed feedback on why a question is correct or incorrect.
This type of feedback can be confused with tutorial which gives instruction.
Amount of feedback:
1. Flash card activity:
a. Limited feedback, only correct or incorrect.
2. Branching drill:
a. Automated, student may not even realise that there is a difference
as the programme use predetermined criteria. It may sometimes
congratulate that a level has been achieved before continuing. They
may be asked to choose their next level.
3. Extensive feedback activities:
a. as the word indicates, there is a great number of feedback in this
programme. It will give detailed feedback on a question that was
incorrect.
Criteria for selecting good drill-and-practise software:
1. Control over presentation rate:
a. Unless timed, the student should have enough time to read the
feedback before continuing. This can be done by clicking on a
button.
2. Answer judging
a. If an answer has to be typed in, the programme should be able to
discriminate between correct and incorrect answers.

3. Appropriate feedback for correct and incorrect answers.
a. Feedback must be simple and display quickly
b. Elaborate feedback for incorrect answers can cause students to
want to make mistakes.
4. Two requirements for feedback provided:
a. Must discriminate between correct and incorrect answers quickly.
b. Must not motivate the student to want to make mistakes.
The term automatically:
1. In this section I found two instances of automaticity and automatically
a. The first is for a student to be able to practise lower order skills to
be able to achieve higher order skills faster and more easily.
b. Secondly in Branching drill the programme will asses the students
progress and branch to higher level questions without the student
knows it.
c. Automatically thus means to do something without any intervention
from outside.
Advantages of Drill and Practice:
1. Immediate feedback
a. Quick responses to correctness can help students to not memorise
incorrect answers.
2. Motivation
a. Poor handwriting skills may cause students to dislike writing.
Computer-based practises motivate these students to learn. The
computer does not give disgusted looks when mistakes are made.
Computers are patient and will allow the student to work at their
own pace.
3. Saving teacher time
a. Teachers do not have to present or grade drill and practise, time
can be spend on other students as others practise on their own.

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CTM 710 Instructional Tools and Multimedia

Lionel G Smith 29663513

a. What is Instructional Software?

My understanding of this topic is that instructional software has been created

specifically for the use of instructing a learner or student. A true instructional

an extension of the teacher to replace repetitive exercises in the classroom.

Some software is developed to be more in the constructivism sphere and they

teacher, but rather assist the teacher.

b. Multimedia features of Instructional Software:

Although multimedia is not necessary in instructional software, it has been added

further advanced the prevalence of the use of multimedia in Instructional

software. It is thought that by adding multimedia to the software that it will

create “eye-candy” and sell more of their software.

c. Taxonomy of classification of Instructional software:

Instructional software is developed to assist in specific areas of learning. The

classification of Instructional software can be done in the following categories:

• Drill and practice

1. Drill-and-Practise Software Functions

a. Definition and Function

Drill-and-Practise software gives exercises to the learner on the work that is

currently covered, with feedback on the correctness of their work. It is usually

practise, on the computer, using drill-and-practise software to reinforce the skills

covered and taught to the learner, with direct feedback.

b. Three types of drill-and-practises

There are three types of drill-and-practise activities:

i. Flash card activity

student with a number of answers or typing in answers. It will then give a

positive or negative feedback, depending on whether the answer is correct or

number of questions correct. This will only happen at a predetermined level of

automatically place the student, without warning, in the appropriate position.

iii.Extensive feedback activities

1. Flash card activity:

a. Limited feedback, only correct or incorrect.

a. Automated, student may not even realise that there is a difference

as the programme use predetermined criteria. It may sometimes

congratulate that a level has been achieved before continuing. They

may be asked to choose their next level.

3. Extensive feedback activities:

a. as the word indicates, there is a great number of feedback in this

programme. It will give detailed feedback on a question that was

Criteria for selecting good drill-and-practise software:

1. Control over presentation rate:

feedback before continuing. This can be done by clicking on a

a. If an answer has to be typed in, the programme should be able to

discriminate between correct and incorrect answers.

a. Feedback must be simple and display quickly

b. Elaborate feedback for incorrect answers can cause students to

want to make mistakes.

4. Two requirements for feedback provided:

a. Must discriminate between correct and incorrect answers quickly.

b. Must not motivate the student to want to make mistakes.

The term automatically:

1. In this section I found two instances of automaticity and automatically

a. The first is for a student to be able to practise lower order skills to

be able to achieve higher order skills faster and more easily.

b. Secondly in Branching drill the programme will asses the students

progress and branch to higher level questions without the student

c. Automatically thus means to do something without any intervention

Advantages of Drill and Practice: