Instructional Software Types and Possible Uses for American Sign Langague Instruction
The relative advantage of using instructional software in a college level American Sign Language class is unparalleled! It keeps students engaged,
connected, and self motivated! Here are some types of instructional software and possible uses as they relate to American Sign Language Instruction.
connected, and self motivated! Here are some types of instructional software and possible uses as they relate to American Sign Language Instruction.
Drill and Practice
Learning Through Repetitive Practice and Feedback
Drill and practice software can be used to supplement a lesson or homework and can also be used as test preparation. There are three known types of Drill & Practice: Flashcards, Branching Drill (software advances as the student does), and Extensive Feedback (software provides in depth feedback of student answers). Provided to the right is an example of Flashcards from Quizlet as they relate to American Sign Language instruction. |
Tutorials
Entire Instructional Sequences Presented Online
Tutorials can be used as a self-paced review of information for students, an alternate strategy for learning material, or they can even permit instruction when the teacher is unavailable. Located to the left is a link to an online tutorial about fingerspelling from Lifeprint. This tutorial can be used in an ASL curriculum as one station in a rotation model. Ennis-Cole, 2014
|
Simulations
Computerized Models of How Something Works
Simulations can be used to get students involved, make experimentation safe and possible, save money and other resources, make situations controllable, slow down processes, and to supplement or replace lab experiments. These, of course, are only examples, good educators are able to alter any resource and come up with many different uses for it.
There are four types of simulations:
The link on the right from Children's University is to a Process Simulation showing how the ear works. This can be used in curriculum as a lab resource to discover parts of the ear and what causes deafness. Ennis-Cole, 2014
|
Instructional Games
Combine Entertainment and Competition with Education
Instructional games can be used to foster group corporation, replace worksheets or exercises, or as a reward. Using games in the classroom is looked down upon by some educators as they have a high potential for failure. Teachers must make an effort to use games in coherence with a strong lesson plan and obviously relatable standards. This game can be used in an ASL curriculum as a station in a rotation model or as a reward for students who finish work early. To the left is a link to an instructional game from Wonderville teaching about the ear and how we hear sounds. It could be used in a rotation model with the simulation above. Ennis-Cole, 2014
|
Problem Solving Software
Develop and Exercise Critical Thinking Skills
Problem solving software can be used to foster organization of ideas, analysis of information, formulation of solutions to problems, and metacognition. Teachers should make sure to allow students sufficient time to complete activities, vary amount of direction and assistance to students, and stress the use of thinking rather then finding answers. Located on the right is a link to a game from Dangerous Decibels involving critical thinking about how to protect ones hearing while going on with daily activities. This game can be used in a rotation model with the simulation and game mentioned above. Ennis-Cole, 2014
|
References
Ennis-Cole. (2014). Using Instructional Software in Teaching and Learning: Ch 4. University of North Texas. Retrieved from: www.courses.unt.edu/Ennis-Cole/sites/default/files/chapt4.ppt