Chapter 11: Integrating Problem-Solving and Educational Software

1.  What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?
There are many benefits of using problem-solving or educational software within the classroom.  Many of these software programs use games and/or are highly interactive.  This is a great way to keep the attention of the children that are learning from the program.  These games also help with the students wanting to learn the material.  The book states, "A key benefit of well-designed educational games is that they are structured to require application of content knowledge and skills in order to "win" the games, which results in the students wanting to learn the information rather than learning it to pass a test (Lowther, 2010, p. 284)."  Another benefit is that these programs oftentimes can compile results from each of the students sessions on the program.  This will help the teacher to determine where each students is learning.


2.  How do I choose the correct software?
There is a plethora of problem-solving and educational software for teachers to choose from.  Because of this, it is important for teachers to be sure to choose software that is most beneficial to his or her students.  The best way to do this is by Software Evaluations.  There are usually many different evaluations that a teacher could take into account for choosing the correct software.  It is important to be sure that the software chosen is evaluated according to the following criteria:  Content accuracy, research-based instructional strategies, effectively meets instructional objectives, assessment of learning, and ease of use (Lowther, 2010, p. 287).  By evaluating software according to this criteria, teachers should be able to determine if the software is appropriate for the students.


3.  When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?
It is first very important that the software is properly reviewed to be sure that it is the best learning tool for the students.  I will then need to decide which parts of the software will be most beneficial to my students and when I would like for the students to use the software in the lesson.  Using problem-solving or educational software in my lesson will also affect how students will plan and research the content in the lesson plan.  It is important that I decided what I would like my students to take away from the software by making that an important part of my lesson.


Lowther, D., & Morrison, G. (2010). Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom. Pearson Education, Inc