Third Educational Software Blog
The website ( http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammer/grammer_tutorial.htm) this blog focuses on is one which uses tutorial instruction to teach learners. The site is therefore constructed using a directed strategy and acts like a human tutor by providing all the information and instructional activities a learner needs to master a topic: information summaries, explanation, practice routines, feedback and assessment (Roblyer, 2006).
This software focuses on grammar development and punctuation and is recommended for young learners. The pictures and colours used on the home page are bright and interesting and will capture a child's attention.
The Grammar Tutorial introduces nouns verbs and adjectives using interactive pictures and attractive sounds. Here, information summaries and explanation are used. The other games on the page provide practice routines, feedback and assessment.The verb game tests knowledge of verbs by having students whack a robot with the verb with a
mallet like a popular arcade game.
mallet like a popular arcade game.
In the adjective game, players are required to select an adjective by clicking on a spider to feed it with a fly. In the game, Noun Explorer, the noun is selected by clicking on a fish to 
feed it with a worm.
Another game is presented on the page and that is the Comma Chameleon game. Here the student has to select a comma or other part of speech, then select the place in a sentence where the comma goes. This game provides practice, feedback and assessment of the usage of the parts of speech.
the game is available online and so combines the advantage of convenience with its tutorial advantages. However, there is no print option on the page and so the disadvantage of teachers not being able to present the work in the classroom presents itself.
Overall, the software is fun and easy to use and will provide valuable instruction to young learners, especially those who are just in the process of learning about parts of speech and punctuation.
Teachers may find it useful to issue this as review homework for those students with a computer at home or may use it as a means of review while integrating technology into education, in the classroom.
There are innumerable tutorial websites available for use. Two of these sites were discussed at:
Your blog is simply wonderful.The focus is quite relevant to the 21st century children as they embrace technology,and by allowing them to learn using technology is really allowing us as prospective teachers to teach them in ways they like.Keep it real;greatwork.
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