Major Types of Courseware
by Renee Leventon
1. Tutorials
1.1. Present student with objectives
1.2. Simulates prior knowledge
2. Educational Games
2.1. Types of games
2.1.1. Adventure,
2.1.2. Role playing
2.1.3. Logic and puzzle games
2.1.4. Word games
2.2. Factors
2.2.1. Goals
2.2.2. Rules
2.2.3. Directions
2.2.4. Scenerios
2.2.5. Advantages
2.3. Advantages
2.3.1. People like them
2.3.2. Students use cognitive effort
2.4. Disadvantages
2.4.1. Too competitive
3. Drills
3.1. Criticism
3.1.1. Used for purposes that are unsuitable
3.2. Adjusts to students
3.2.1. Keeps record of well student is understanding the information
3.3. Boring
3.3.1. Tends to bore students and teachers
3.3.2. Should try to enhance the appeal
4. Hypermedia
4.1. Reference sources
4.1.1. Encyclopedias
4.2. Products based on research
4.2.1. WebQuests
4.3. Virtual field trips/museums
5. Simulations
5.1. Rare events can be made more common
5.2. Provides real life experiences
5.2.1. Stronger transfer of learning
5.3. Safe because it is cyber
6. Open-Ended
6.1. Examples
6.1.1. Scratch
6.1.2. Mind Meister
6.2. Pros
6.2.1. Deep and collaborative learning
6.2.2. Cross-circular learning
6.3. Cons
6.3.1. Not for everyone
6.3.2. Can be difficult