Instructional software can play many roles in the classroom. Used as a tool for remediation, extra practice or even to simulate activities that would not be possible in most classrooms, this software can be very valuable. I have focused my search on software that would be appropriate for 5th grade math. With the transition to common core, I have found that LearnZillion provides videos that can be used as visuals for whole group or individual to explain new methods in math. Using software tutorials when curriculum is changing can benefit both the teacher and the students. Front Row is another site that offers support for common core practice by offering differentiated practice of common core math skills. Students can be assigned specific practice or adaptive practice that will find the appropriate skill level for practice at various grade levels. Software like Front Row offer classroom management systems that allow teachers to monitor student progress and quickly intervene when necessary. One of my favorite software tools is online manipulatives. The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives offers online manipulatives organized by grade level and math strand. Online manipulatives are a great resource for classrooms with limited budgets. As we move to online testing, students are often expected to use online manipulatives to solve problems. It is important that they have had experience using these manipulatives prior to testing. With such a wide variety of software available it is important to choose the software that fits students’ needs best.
Instructional software may be used as a differentiation tool to practice skills or review for students who struggle with math. Both math tutorials and games give students an opportunity to practice skills in specific areas. When choosing software for struggling students, it is important to find software both valuable and effective. Beatrice C. Babbit has created a 10 step checklist for identifying appropriate math software for students with learning disabilities. Although not all students who struggle have learning disabilities, I believe her check list is still valuable for struggling students as well. Tip #10 is a key to choosing software for all users. Babbitt points out that software is not the complete solution to instruction, but instead should be used as a tool (2011). This reminds us that we must focus on using instructional software as a tool and not to replace the teacher.
Resources
Babbitt, Beatrice C. (2011). 10 Tips for Software Selection for Math Instruction - LD Online. Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/article/6243/.
Utah State University. (1999-2014). The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. Retrieved from http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
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