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Educational Software
An overview and application of the various uses of computer software in an educational context
by
Nathan Freel
Importance of Computer Literacy
Today’s daily activities use more and more computers to simplify daily tasks
Computers are becoming increasingly powerful tools for the classroom, so teachers should be familiar with technology
Educators should have the knowledge and ability to use computers and technology efficiently in the classroom
Choosing Good Software
The textbook and this webpage, http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/software.htm, offer great criteria for selecting software, but these three guidelines are great for initial consideration:1. Features—Does the software accomplish expected
tasks?
2. Reliability/Support—Are there solutions for future issues?
3. Training—Is the interface easy to learn?
Types of Software Licenses
Proprietary Software—software that can be purchased
Freeware and Open Source—software that is free to all
Shareware—software that allows users to “try out” software and gives users the option to purchase it or not
Site license—allows software on multiple machines
NETS•T Standards
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity:Educational software is a powerful tool for designing great learning atmospheres, whether it’s simplifying management tasks or sparking interest in educational topics.
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments:More tests today are implementing technology to improve results. Software can create powerful opportunities for unique learning scenarios.
NETS•T Standards
3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning:Today’s technology allow teachers to communicate better, to track progress better, and to provide students with the tools necessary to learn effectively in and out of the classroom.
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility:Technology offers plenty of power, but teachers have an opportunity to demonstrate the proper use of software and teach basic online skills such as having “netiquette.”
NETS•T Standards
5. Engage in Professional Growth and LeadershipTechnology is constantly changing and evolving. Teachers are expected to stay up-to-date with current trends and implement technologies and make better and effective use of software.
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Administrative Software
1. Productivity Software2. Integrated Productivity Packages
3. Classroom Management Software
Word Processing Software
Document preparation and editing: inserting/deleting text, text selection and enhancement, word wrap and formatting, spelling and grammar tools, copy, cut, paste, and undo
Desktop Publishing: “WYSIWYG” displays, Graphics and Clip Art, Tables and Columns, Autoformats, Word Art
Archiving and Printing
Word Processing Software
Ready-Made Word-Processing Tools Templates—quickly design new documents with set
formats Wizards—walk-throughs that help you get to an out-
come Macros—repetitive sequences that simplify work
Electronic Spreadsheets
Great for data manipulation: data organizers, budgets, grade trackers, and charts or diagrams
Power of Formulas, Functions, and What-If scenarios
Electronic Spreadsheets
LibreOffice Calc
Google Spreadsheets
Microsoft Office Excel
Apple iWork Numbers
Lotus 1-2-3
Database Management Software
Organization: can be shared across a school network
Sorting: arrange records (information) in nearly any way
Querying: search for records that match certain conditions
Reports: make presentable charts or diagrams of records
Presentation Software
Displays multimedia (pictures, videos, websites, etc.)
Great templates create appealing slideshows
Printing options create convenient handouts
Animations and transitions add interest to presentations
Display options can give the presenter view to his notes
Integrated Productivity Software
Simplicity—a similar interface and shared features along with an all-in-one installer reduce some software hassles
Cost-effectiveness—often cheaper when purchased as a package, as opposed to buying each program individually
Less training required
Classroom Management Software
Assessment Software
Classroom Management Software
Curriculum Management Software
District Management Software
Grading Software
Graphics Software
Photo Editing (Rasterized) software—edit and touch up photos by manipulating individual pixels
Illustration (Vector) Software—uses linear shapes to create pictures that can be expanded to an infinite size
Imaging Software—Edits pictures that have been scanned
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) converts a picture of text into actual text characters
Graphics Software
Paint
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Inkscape
Microsoft Office Document Imaging
SimpleOCR
Reference Software
Microsoft Encarta
World Book Encyclopedia
Google Earth
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate
WhiteSmoke
Stellarium
Games Software
Tutorials Software—usually used when presenting new material or just learning new concepts
Drill-and-Practice Software—reinforces previously presented content
Educational Games—Present and review instructional content
Other Types of Software
Simulations
Special Needs Software
Integrated Learning Systems (like integrated productivity packages)
Problem-solving software
Brainstorming/Concept-Mapping software
Academic Databases: online collections of reliable resources
Content-specific software
Conclusion
As educators, it’s important to utilize the various software programs and what their intended purposes are for
Administrative Software is great for professional work and managing the classroom, especially with productivity software
Other repurposed or specifically designed software allows students and teachers to accomplish specific tasks with much flexibility and many options to choose from