Drill-and-Practice and Simulation Software.

Drill-and-practice software is used to teach skills that require memorization. The basic drive of drill and practice software is to have the learner memorize information. It does not act as the teacher, but as a kind of automated flash card. The program presents a question to the learner, the learner responds, and the software then gives feedback as to whether the answer is correct or incorrect. Most drill and practice software will accept two incorrect answers, and then provide the correct answer so that the learner is not stuck on a particular item for a long period of time. Drill and practice software is one of the earliest types of educational software, and many educators today believe it to have little value in the classroom, referring to it as “drill and kill” because it can lead to boredom through repetition. However, drill and practice software does have some benefits. It provides the student with individualized practice; the student must answer every question. In a classroom setting where each student is called on to answer one question in twenty or more, drill and practice software provides more time on task than a group lesson can. Learners using the software also report that they feel more comfortable because they can set their own pace (if the software allows), and their answers and feedback received are private. A computer, unlike a human, appears to have limitless patience. The curricular applications for drill and practice software include any area where basic skill mastery is desired. Memorization of math facts, grammar practice, and foreign language vocabulary practice are examples of appropriate use of this software. Simulation software simulates a complex procedure. For example, the student is presented with a situation and given other options. The student is then shown what effect that option would have on the situation. Later, animation and sound were added too. To elaborate more on SS, it has historically been used in driver education, flight training, and medical diagnosis classes. Some programs of today’s SS use virtual reality so that the student actually feels as if he or she were there. Simulation software behaves similarly to the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books that children enjoy. Simulation software provides learners with an opportunity to work cooperatively, solve problems, and speculate “what if”. This type of software is time effective, cost effective, and safer than experiencing the situation first hand. For instance, a fifth grade teacher, wanting students to gain an understanding of western migration, could use the program, Oregon Trail.