Cendie Stanford
[email protected]
ETEC 557
11/08/2004

ABSTRACT NUMBER 5

CITATION:
Trotter, Andrew.(October 1,1998) Beyond Drill and Practice. Education Week 18(5), p25-28

SUMMARY:

Research shows that drill and practice software is the most common form of software used in education. Most teachers are more familiar with this type of software than any other programs that technology has to offer. The article examines ways that teachers can go beyond the use of drill and practice software. The report concluded that drill and practice software is an enhancement tool for improving basic skills. The author refers to a research study that requests teachers to use software for tutorial or instructional purposes. The article provides links for teachers, professionals, and parents to access for more uses of the computer in the classroom. The main purpose of the article is to inform educators of the world of the extensive uses of technology outside of drill and practice. Since basic skills are required to use these other skills, the author mentions how tutorials can assist in the student achieving the basic skills.  

PERSONAL REACTION:

One important thing that I noticed about the research was how students of urban schools are usually the case studies. I cannot determine how effective software and education actually is because the research was so limited. Tutorial and drill-and-practice software can be incredibly accommodating in respect to helping learners’ master basic skills. I like that article and how it relates to teachers needs and other options for implementing software that has been researched. I think that tutorials stage a new perception and gradually supply instructions on how to finish a particular goal. Some examples would include learning how to use a new program. Some positives of drill and practice software are that they reinforce things such as spelling, math, writing, and English skills, and are done in an exciting way. Kids seem to enjoy interactive lesson that give immediate feedback and such. These are important skills and tools needed in order for technology to prove effective in education. The author mentioned that the computer does not make judgment on the student and this is always a positive. Many sites offer more experience than just drill and practice and the author mentions how teachers could incorporate that in their lessons.