Problem Solving
- Problem-solving software associates with cognitive learning theory. These software is much more sophisticated type of learning then the drill and practice exercise.
- In this problem solving software the computer present learner with complex problem, where by the learner needs to learn and improve their problem solving skills.
- The problem solving program is basically designed to promote students high-level of thinking such as logic, reasoning, pattern recognition and strategies.
- It is very much similar to that of simulation software.
- It is designed because when they interact with the program they develop thinking skills and improve various problem solving strategy.
This software is mainly designed to develop higher-order thinking skills of students, so for effective use of this type of software is following are the suggestions:
- Teacher need to identify the skills that a particular problem-solving program before student use the program.
- Teacher should provide students with learning goals and a work schedule and even give them with enough time to explore and interact with the software.
- Teacher may first demonstrate the planning steps to solve problems and ask students to give other possible methods.
- Teacher might let students use this program in pairs or small groups.
- Teacher should stress thinking processes not only guessing to get expected answer.
- Teacher may need to plan transfer activities or use paper-and-pencil tests.
Multimedia encyclopedia and electronic books
- Multimedia encyclopedia store full text, still images, animation, audio and video.
- Students can get access to any desired type of information and can download vast content and relevant data for their composition and presentation
- Electronic books present textual information for reading but is supplemented by other types of multimedia information like sounds, pictures and animations. It is also used as a tutor to learn a reading, spelling and word skills.
- Here students can use electronic book as a tutor to learn spellings, reading and word skills.
Integration with lesson
Here teachers preparation is extremely necessary. Teacher needs to plan very carefully so some suggestions are:
- Teacher might demonstrate varieties of ways to search information.
- Teacher can use this software for whole classroom presentation for effective class discussion and their lesson.
- Teacher should provide clear and understandable questions that students can answer using this software.
- When students are assigned to view the electronic information teacher can design worksheets for students.
- Teacher can assign topics in groups and let students search information stored in software.
- Eventually teacher might do some kinds of follow-up presentation for students.
