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Saturday, 2 April 2016

Time for Plan B! (Week 5)

       As usual, we were given a question to ponder on, in a small group of 3-4 people, at the beginning of the class. We were told to discuss what alternate plans should instructors and educators have if students are not in the mood to learn or not motivated enough for a current lesson plan. Educators and instructors should always have a back-up plan if in case anything does not go as planned. In this case, students don’t seem lively and awake before class which might lead to them not paying attention during the lesson. Therefore, there should have been a ‘Plan B’ already prepared. I think that a good way to overcome this is by positive reinforcements, teachers have a quiz for the students and give small prizes, like chocolates or cookies as a reward, for those who answer the quiz correctly. This way, students will be more awake for the lesson. Other than that, teachers should sometimes incorporate outdoor learning, to give students a feel of different environments from classrooms.
        Instructional software also helps in keeping a class interesting. Instructional software is loosely defined as computer programs that are designed to deliver instruction or to assist in the delivery of instruction on a specific topic. Their sole purpose is to support instruction and learning. Instructional software falls into five basic categories; drill and practice, tutorials, simulation, instructional games and problem-solving. All these are useful in any lessons if used wisely.
        I would choose to use more of simulation. This software is a computerized model of a real-life or imagined system. There are two types of simulation software; products that teach about something, which include physical and iterative simulations and products that teach how to do something, like procedural and situational simulations. By using simulation software, students get to understand the concept of what they’re learning more deeply. For example, time can be compressed or slowed down so students can see exactly what is happening during a specific process. Other than that, simulations are done in a safe environment, unlike being in labs, using chemicals and students have access to opportunities they would not necessarily have. For instance, if a research requires a student to travel somewhere far, he/she would not have to if not for the simulation software. This can also save money, time and other resources. The video below shows an example of an innovative online program that enables nursing students to learn from sophisticated, digital representations of patients. Students can practice critical assessments in an interactive clinical environment that complements their on ground nursing experience, at no risk to real patients.
         Instructional software provides many advantages for 21st century classrooms. When educators have done their research and use instructional software for specific purposes, and expose students to quality programs, students’ learning can be positively impacted.    


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