Whenever people think about computers,

they are most likely thinking about the computer

machine such as the television like monitor

screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer

which produces copies of text-and-graphics

material, and the computer circuits (the central

processing unit) that receives stores data and

directs computer operations.

The computer

machine or hardware is

naturally an attention-

getter . It’s more difficult

to realize, however, that

the computer hardware

can hardly be useful

without the program or

system that tells what the

computer machine should

do. This is also called the

software.

There are two kinds of software:

The systems software. This is the operating

system that is found or bundled inside all

computer machines .

The applications software . This contains the

system that commands the particular task or

solves a particular problem .

In turn the applications software may be:

(a) a custom software that is made for specific

tasks often by large corporations, or

(b) a commercial software packaged for

personal computers that helps with a variety

of task such as writing papers calculating

numbers, drawing graphs, playing games,

and so much more.

Microsoft Windows

Also referred to as a program,

Microsoft windows for short is an operating

environment between the user and the

computer operating system. Also called a

shell, it is a layer that creates the way the

computer should work .

Windows uses a colorful graphics

interface

(called GUI-pronounced “gooce”)that can be

seen on the computer screen or monitor

whenever the computer is turned on .

The user can work with on-screen

pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to

arrive at the desired software .Windows 95

(now improved with Windows 2003, 2007)is

a software designed for Microsoft Windows.

Actually, Windows is in itself a self-

contained operating system which

provides :

User convenience-just click a file name to

retrieve data or click from program to

program as easy as changing channels in

your TV screen.

A new look-fancy borders, smooth and

streamlined text fonts.

Information center-Windows puts all

communications activities (e-mail,

downloads etc. in a single screen

icon);adapts/configures the computer for the

Internet.

Plug and play-configures the computer with

added components, such as for sound and

video.

Instructional software

Instructional software

can be visited on the Internet

or should be bought from

software shops or dealers. The

teacher through his school

should decide on the best

computer-based instructional

(CBIs) materials for the school

resource collection .

But beware since CBIs need much

improvement, while web-based

educational resources are either

extremely good or what is complete

garbage is evaluating computer-based

educational materials, the following can

serve as guidelines:

Be extremely cautious in using CBIs and

‘free’ Internet materials.

Don’t be caught up by attractive

graphics,sound,animation,pictures,video

clips and music forgetting their instructional

worth.

Teachers must evaluate these resources

using sound pedagogical principles.

Among design and content elements to

evaluate are text legibility, effective use of

color schemes attractive layout and design,

and easy navigation from section-to-section

(such as from game to tutorial to drill-and-

practice section).

Observe clarity in the explanations and

illustrations of concepts and principles.

Maintain

accuracy,coheren

ce, logic of

information.

Are they being

current since

data/statistics

continually

change.

Are they relevant and

effective in attaining learning objectives?

Observe absence of

biased materials (e.g.

gender bias or racial

bias).

Prepared by: John Santos M. Nacional

Prof. Rubi R.Orbeta