It is associated with the cognitivist learning theory because it is sophisticated type of learning then we find in drill and practice exercises.
This programs are designed to promote student's higher order thinking skills such as logic, reasoning, pattern recognition and strategies. As they interact with the program, they gradually move from simple 'trail and error' to more logical and systematic thinking processes.
How to use in the classroom:
- Teacher should allow sufficient time for students to explore and interact with the software.
- Teacher may first demonstrate the steps to solve problems, then ask students to provide other possible methods to solve the same problems using this software.
- Teacher may provide the students to solve the problem in pairs or groups and let them present their solving strategies.
It is software where you can store huge database with full text, still images, animation, audio and video so tha the students can use the software to access any desired information and even download relevant data. Electronic books preset textual information for reading, but are supplemented with other types of multimedia information like sounds, spoken voices, pictures and animations. Electronic books can act as tutor to learn reading, spelling and word skills.
Some of the examples of this software are Eyewitness children's Encyclopedia, Just grandma and me and Macbeth.
How to use in the classroom:
- Teachers might demonstrate the variety of ways to search information.
- Teachers should provide very clear questions that the students can answer with the software.
- Teachers can assign topics for groups of students to do research by searching information stored in the software.
