Journal Post #7

Chapter Seven: Problem Solving and Inquiry Learning with Software and Web Tools

 

                                  Wayan Vota via Flickr

Focus Question 6: What are intelligent tutoring systems and how can students and teachers use them successfully?

Intelligent tutoring systems are an instructional tool, they present topics and track a student’s performance and correct answers and the teaching approach can be adjusted by the teacher, based on the student’s needs.

Tech Tool 7.2: A Math Learning Game-Zoombinis Logical Journey

The Zoombinis’ series was designed to teach critical thinking, problem solving and mathematical learning to elementary school aged students. Zoombinis are thumb-sized creatures with different types of hairstyles, eyewear, and footwear. There are 625 different possible combinations. The Zoombinis have embarked on a long journey to reclaim their ancestral island home. Using trial and error learning, data analysis, logical reasoning and theory building, the children playing the games guide the Zoombinis through a series of obstacles and puzzles that block their journey. While exploring the Zoombini Logical Journey game I think they are a great tool since it is a game that keeps children interested with a plot, of getting the Zoombinis back to their homeland, while the students have to use critical thinking and problem solving, amongst other skills while playing the game.

Summary/ Interesting Points:

I was not aware of the two different main types of software. They are system software, which is responsible for overall functioning and control of a computer. It includes the operating system, network operating system, database managers, and a TP monitor. Application software performs specific functions in specialized ways to produce a variety of services including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, slides and presentations.

Bloom’s taxonomy is associated with the terms higher and lower orders of thinking. This is an educational tool that was first presented in 1956. Bloom and his collaborators were interested in distinguishing a difference between different forms of thinking, from the basic recalling facts (lower order) to comparison and evaluating theories (higher order).

Games make learning more fun. Children are more apt to learn when a game is involved. Skill-learning games use elements of game play to involve students in learning academic material. I liked reading about the Zoombinis math game. I had never heard of it and after some googling I figured out it is quite a popular learning game for students.

 

Sources:

Zoombinis Logical Journey. (n.d.). Children's Educational Software and Computer Games for School Districts, Schools, Teachers, Parents and Students. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.smartkidssoftware.com/ndlec138.htm

Maloy, R. W., Verock-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S. A., & Woolf, B. P. (2007). Problem Solving and Inquiry Learning with Software and Web Tools. Transforming Learning with New Technologies (pp. 174-205). Boston: Pearson.

Wayon Vota via Flickr