Tips for Selecting Software to Enhance Instructional Design

Instructors can use technology to enhance or replace instruction. One way to do this is by selecting a software package that fits your technology and instruction needs. Software packages fall into 5 categories:

• Drill and Practice-gives students the opportunity to answer questions and get immediate feedback.
• Tutorial-gives students information/instructions needed to master a specific topic.
• Simulation-gives students the opportunity to see systems at work and/or demonstrates underlying concepts.
  
• Instructional Games-gives students game rules for drills or simulation to increase motivation.
• Problem Solving-either teaches students directly how to solve problems or provides them with the opportunity to solve problems themselves.
  

Below are several tips to help in the software selection process:

1. Consider what your needs are before you begin reviewing software packages.
   
2. Make sure that you actually do a hands-on review of the software you are considering. Software reviews from the manufacturers make claims about what their software can do, but you need to make sure that the claims are really true and fit your needs.
3. Make sure the software you are reviewing is the full version of the software package and not a demo. The demos do not always give you an accurate picture of the software features.
4. Make sure the software package you select is user-friendly. The software should provide appropriate feedback without using graphics that are distracting or better feedback when an incorrect answer is given.
5. Make a list of essential criteria and optional criteria to consider when reviewing the software.
   
6. Before making the final selection, if possible, have a group of students work with the software to see if there are any needs that are not being met or if the students have any difficulties that you did not anticipate.

Selecting software packages can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there to choose from. If you identify your instructional needs, decide which type(s) of software can fit those needs, review software packages, and have students test the packages, you will end up with software that enhances your teaching or replaces parts of your instructions successfully.