How can we teach without Instructional Software??

When I first started my ITEC classes, I thought, all of the instructional strategies and web tools are all new, since I was in school. However, reading about Instructional Software I was taken back to my school days! What a blast from the past!
Instructional Software is basically application software that is designed specifically to deliver, or assist with student instructions on a topic (Roblyer and Doering Pg. 76). Any software that we choose to use, as teachers, that supports our instruction is Instructional Software.
As I was reading about Instructional Software I came across Oregon Trail! That is one of my only memories of using a computer in school. I used to love playing Oregon Trail, and trying to figure out how I could get west without my entire family dying, or losing all my oxen and food! This type of instructional software is called Simulation Software. The student places themselves "in the scenario". Just like in Oregon Trail, you learn how tough it was for the pioneers who were traveling out west, because you were out in the same position as they could have been in. This is a highly engaging lesson on conditions in the west. This is engaging because the students are responsible for making the decisions for how to survive in the harsh conditions. This software also promotes high LoTi levels due to the higher level thinking skills required of the students while they are playing the "game".
Another type of instructional software are Instructional Games. These are games that can be used to aid in the learning process. An example of and Instructional Game is another blast from the past for me. The game Where in the World is Carmen San Diego. I believe this was made into a television show as well! Anyway, this Instructional Game is perfect for students who are working on their geography skills! Where in the World is Carmen San Diego is highly engaging because students have to figure out where in the world is the main character based on clues they are given!
A third type of instructional software is a problem-solving software. Geometer's Sketchpad is an example of a problem solving software. With Geometer's Sketchpad, students are asked to do many things. They can create shapes or objects. Students can also analyze problems, and higher grade levels can use Geometer's sketchpad to do proofs and test solutions. I vaguely remembering doing proofs in College, and I just remember how I did NOT like it! Students can use Geometer's Sketchpad to make learning all that "hard stuff" more engaging because you can use a software to test you hypothesis.
There are many other instructional software programs out there that are highly engaging and have high LoTi levels. One that I LOVE to use in my classroom is called Mega Math. Mega Math is what I wrote my whole content area presentation on basically because it is so awesome! It's standards-based, highly engaging and the students use it to help them learn about all the things that they would learn in the classroom! If your school doesn't have it, you can go to this website to check it out online for free!! And who doesn't love free??