What is the difference between drill-and-practice software and tutorial software? When is it appropriate to use each in teaching and learning?
Tutorial and drill-and-practice software packages are designed to introduce students to new material or help reinforce information that has already been discussed. These types of software are particularly helpful when teacher to student ratios are low and may limit one-on-one instruction time. The programs can also be helpful in addressing the numerous learning styles of the students. This academic software is readily available and in use in many school districts around the country.
Although there are many similarities in these educational software, there are many differences as well. Tutorial software, for instance, introduces users to new information and material, whereas drill-and-practice software reinforces content that has already been presented to the student. Tutorial software often contains lessons planned according to the instructional design, while drill-and-practice focuses on key points in a particular topic or lesson.
Tutorial software can be separated into two categories: linear and hypermedia. Linear tutorials use a step-by-step approach to achieve different objectives. This has the advantage of providing immediate feedback to the user detailing which objectives have been mastered and which need to be reviewed again. Hypermedia tutorials allow users to freely explore various links related to the lesson. This means students can explore areas that peak their personal interests. Like linear tutorial, hypermedia also provides evaluation and feedback elements.
Drill-and-practice software ask students particular questions to key concepts, giving students instant feedback to their answers. Most of these software packages track correct answers and move to more complex questions as the user increases mastery. These software programs allow students to control the pace learning, but limits the content until each section, or subject, is mastered.
Both tutorial and drill-and-practice software offers many benefits to students and teachers. it is imperative however, that instructors do not rely solely on software to educate students. No matter how far technology advances or how well the software is designed, it will never be able to replace teacher to student contact.
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1 comment:
Hello, Raymond.
This is a very good article and I enjoyed reading it.
As you said, authoring systems are computer based programs that help non-programmers create applications. Most of the computer users do not have any ideas about programming, so authoring systems are very important. I think it was also the reason why the computer developed faster after the Window 95, because Window 95 offered easier system for the users without programming knowledge. In fact, I agree that authoring is actually just a faster form of programming. However, there are something I want to say, that is, if we think using authoring systems to create programs, such as using powerpoint to create a presentation, is programming, then you are right. But I think normally, when we say programming we only mean to create a kind of software such as powerpoit, hyperstudio which can be used to create other programs. I think a person first need to know a programming language like C language or java language in order to program. These people are normally from computer science major. But as you said we still can think using authoring systems is a quick programming.
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