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INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE
I
Instructional software is a kind of computer programmes that enable students to
learn new content, practice using the content learned or serve as an evaluation tool on
students’ understanding of the contents. Apart from that, it also allows both teacher and
students to demonstrate the concepts, do simulations and record as well as data analysis.
There are eight types of instructional software according to its taxonomy which are
applications, drill-and-practice, tutorials, simulation, instructional games, problem-
solving, multimedia and teacher utilities. In this article, we will focus on instructional
games and problem solving.
Instructional games
Instructional games refer to courseware which is designed to motivate learning by

adding games rules or instructions to learning activities. By doing this, it will make
learning fun and adding a sense of competition. According to research studies done by
Kromhout & Butzin (1993) and Kulik (1994), they found that learning time is reduced and
mastery is increased for students who use multimedia instructional programmes in
subjects ranging from language arts to science. Besides, it is proven that students exhibit
greater motivation and enjoyment when they use such software.
The rationale for using instructional games is that it offers a mean for
understanding motivation and learning in a holistic way. Other than that, technology
provides many routes to serious play. This gives a meaning that the students are not only
use them merely for entertainment, but as well as for their learning.
There are some examples of instructional games such as The Patch Worker,
HMS Sweet Tooth, and Code Calling (Motladi S E Makwela). These games are useful
for language learning. For instance, in The Patch Worker, students are required to
arrange the words to make a proper sentence. (refer to Figure 1)
Figure 1: The Patch Worker

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Indirectly, this can be related to Cognitivism learning theory whereby the

students need to use their cognitive skills to create a sentence by using the words given.
When students finished arranging the words, they can check whether they have made a
correct sentence or not. This can be regarded as immediate feedback as mentioned in
Behaviorism theory. Immediate feedback is vital as they can motivate learning thus
make the students to form the habits of correct language use. (refer to Figure 2)
Figure 2: Feedback given in The Patch Worker

Problem solving
Problem solving software on the other hand is content-free or content-based
programme that emphasizes on critical thinking, analysis, logic and reasoning through
a set of data and problematic event. In other words, it stresses on critical thinking skills by
the user, rather than a specific academic discipline. It also enables pupils to practise
solving various kinds of content problems (Doaring & Valetsianos, 2007). There are many
components covered for problem solving such as metacognition, observing, recalling
information, sequencing, analysing, finding and organising information and many more.
Problem solving software is suitable to be used in subject learns like Mathematics and
Science. For example, Alien Rescue software that provides challenging activities to teach
scientific inquiry. This software is suitable for teaching Science. Pupils need to use the
tools and information to look for new home planets in the solar system that match with the
needs of various aliens. (refer to Figure 3)
Figure 3: Alien Rescue Official Website

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Problem solving software can develop students’ interest and motivation in solving
problems. Thus, they will become active participants and spontaneous problem solvers.
Furthermore, it also promotes cooperation through group work activities. This will
encourage them to exchange their thoughts in order to solve the problems. Apart from
that, students can apply their knowledge and skills in more meaningful ways. This is
because; they use their knowledge in order to solve the problem. At the same time, while
engaging with the problem solving activity, students will discover the concept themselves.
According to constructivist, learning will be found motivating when students are actively
engaging in discovering the knowledge.
Concerning on the integration of problem solving software in teaching, a teacher
should identify the appropriate instructional needs. First, this software can be used to
teach component skills in problem solving strategies. For example, identifying and
following a logical sequence and identifying relevant information to solve problems. Next,
it can also provide support in solving problem as for instance, the software give simulation
of the problems like diagram, pictures and so on. Lastly, it also can encourage group
problem solving. Since one of the purposes of this software is to encourage cooperative
learning, it provides environment where pupils can solve problems in small groups like
wiki software.
Problem solving software is designed for more Constructivist approaches to
learning. In order to engage students with activity that offers them to construct their
knowledge, a teacher can use some guidelines according to Constructivist model. First, a
teacher should provide students with instruction or task before allowing them to explore
with the software. For doing this, teacher should give ample time to the students for
sharing and discussing result. Secondly, a teacher should also facilitate them with
appropriate assistance depending on the students’ need. Thirdly, a teacher should
encourage the students to reflect on the method that they used in solving problems. Next,
a teacher should not focus on correctness but emphasizing on thinking process in solving
the problems. Most importantly, a teacher should allow students to work cooperatively
whether in pairs or in groups. In order to assess the effectiveness of this software in
helping students to solve problems, a teacher may use traditional paper and pencil test.
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Conclusion
To conclude, instructional software like instructional game and problem solving
are very useful for teaching and learning purposes. It is not only maximise learning
process but also enables students to understand in meaningful way. Without the
integration of instructional software in teaching and learning, the environment will become
dull and boring. However, a teacher should be wise in integrating the software. In doing
this, teacher should select good instructional games and problem solving that suit to the
content and pedagogical curriculum. Thus, the learning process will benefit students as
well as the teachers.
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REFERENCES
Book
D.R, Margaret & H.D, Aaron Farris, (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into
Teaching. United States of America. Pearson Education, Inc.
Websites
BBC . The Patchworker – Game. Retrieved January 26, 2010, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/
schools/magickey/adventures/patch_game.shtml
Dr. S. Alaa. (2008). Types of Instructional Software. Retrieved January 26, 2010, from
http://www.slideshare.net/alaasadik/types-of-instructional-software-presentation
Instructional Technology Program. Alien Rescue. Retrieved February 2, 2010, from
http://alienrescue.edb.utexas.edu/
S.E.M, Mokladi. The Use of Instructional Games during Teaching and Learning.
Retrieved January 26, 2010, from http://www.school.za/conference/CD/45/
instructional_games.ppt

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Page 1

Instructional games refer to courseware which is designed to motivate learning by

Figure 1: The Patch Worker

Indirectly, this can be related to Cognitivism learning theory whereby the

Figure 2: Feedback given in The Patch Worker

Figure 3: Alien Rescue Official Website

Instructional Technology Program. Alien Rescue. Retrieved February 2, 2010, from

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